Welsh winger Gareth Bale chances of featuring against Ireland when the sides meet in a World Cup qualifier in March have suffered a blow after Real Madrid announced he is to undergo surgery.
Bale suffered an ankle injury during his side's 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Wales international was replaced just before the hour mark during the game and tests revealed he had suffered damage to his peroneal tendons.
Real have now announced the 27-year-old will go under the knife in London next Tuesday.
The European champions have not said how long they expect Bale to be sidelined for, but reports in Spain suggest he could be out for up to three months.
A Madrid statement read: "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, November 29 by Dr James Calder, under the supervision of the club doctors Jesus Olmo and Mikel Aramberri."
Bale now seems certain to be sidelined for the remainder of 2016 at the very least, meaning he will miss El Clasico against Barcelona on December 3 and the Champions League showdown against Borussia Dortmund four days later, which Real need to win to finish top of Group F ahead of the German side.
Bale, who has struggled with various injuries during his time in Spain, is also set to sit out the FIFA Club World Cup, which takes place in Japan between December 8-18.
Ireland, who are currently top of Group D after four games, welcome Wales to Dublin on 24 March.
