Bale could miss El Clasico with 'traumatic dislocation' of ankle tendons

Gareth Bale could miss a considerable amount of time after Real Madrid announced that he sustained a "traumatic dislocation" of tendons in his right ankle during Tuesday's Champions League win.

The Spanish side did not reveal a timetable for his return, but it appears he will struggle to recover in time to feature in El Clasico against Barcelona on Dec. 3

The injury could keep Bale out for three-to-four weeks, reports Kieran Canning of Agence France Presse, meaning the Wales international could miss Real's final Champions League group stage match against Borussia Dortmund.

His prolonged absence could also keep him on the sidelines for league fixtures against Sporting Gijon and Deportivo.

Real secured a spot in the Round of 16 on Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon.

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Bale has played a pivotal role in helping Real build a four-point lead over Barca atop the league table after finding the back of the net five times and providing two helpers through 12 matches.