It seems that the injury concerns for Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane are increasing by the day as Gareth Bale is the latest entry to the considerably significant number of Madrid players with serious fitness concerns dealing a huge blow to Real Madrid’s hopes of retaining the top spot in the La Liga table as well as the upcoming El Clasico on December 3.
The dynamic Welshman, who has played a significant role in Real’s triumphs this year sustained an ankle injury in the midweek Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesdayand would have to undergo surgery as per the official announcement from the club.The Los Blancos winger was replaced just before the hour during the 2-1 victory in Portugal and tests on Wednesday revealed he had sustained damage to his peroneal tendons.
“Real Madrid’s medical services have decided that Gareth Bale will undergo surgery as a result of the peroneal tendon injury in his right ankle. This operation will take place at the King Edward VII Hospital in London on Tuesday 29November by Dr James Calder, under the supervision of the club doctors Jesus Olmo and Mikel Aramberri.”
-Official Statement By Real Madrid C.F.
At the very least, Bale will be sidelined for a period of up tothree months which will see him miss quite a number of crucial games including Madrid’s trip to the Nou Camp as well as the high-tension Champions League Group Stage clash against Borussia Dortmund. The 27-year-old has had a rough time in Spain owing to injuries in the past and it seems like his luck is out again.
The pressure on Los Blancos manager Zinedine Zidane nowwill definitely increase two-fold as the Frenchman would have to completely reconstruct his front three with Karim Benzema having fitness troubles of his own even though the striker did come off the bench to score the winner against Sporting Lisbon in Madrid’s last game. The former Galacticos member does have a number of options at the front in the likes of Marco Asensio and Lucas Vasquez but none of them cancompare to the pace and attacking prowess of the Strong Welshman, who is definitely is one of the biggest threats on the counter attack in modern day football.
Earlier this month, Bale signed an extension to his contract at Real in October, which will tie him to the Spanish giants until 2022. The Welshman has made a total of 20 appearances for Club and Country since August scoring a total of 11 goals overall.
Madrid will also be missing central midfielder Toni Kroos and defensive midfielder Casemiro owing to injuries and Alvaro Morata is also down with fitness concerns. Los Blancos are currently on top of the La Liga table with 12 games played and have a healthy 4 point lead over arch rivals Barcelona.
