Wales and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale hopes for swift recovery from ankle surgery

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale is determined to return to action as soon as possible as he prepares to undergo ankle surgery next week.

The Wales international damaged ligaments in his right ankle during Real’s Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon earlier this week, and is due for surgery next Tuesday in London.

Real have not said how long they expect Bale to be sidelined for, but media reports suggest he could be out for up to four months.

While the Spanish giants have not said how long they expect Bale to be out for, reports in the media suggest he could be out for four months.

Despite the injury, the pacy winger is optimistic about his return, writing on Twitter on Friday morning: “Thanks for all the messages! Ankle is feeling ok. I'll be doing everything I can to get back on the pitch ASAP #Halamadrid.”

If speculation about the extent of Bale’s injury proves to be true, he could miss the remainder of 2016.

As a result, he will miss El Clasico against Barcelona on December 3 and the Champions League showdown against Borussia Dortmund three days later where Los Blancos need to finish top of Group F ahead of their German rivals.

Bale is also likely to miss the FIFA Club World Cup, which takes place in Japan between December 8-18.