Gareth Bale will miss the remainder of the Barclays Premier League season after a scan confirmed he suffered a ruptured ankle ligament against Blackpool at the weekend.
The club have confirmed the PFA Player of the Year will wear a protective boot for the next 12 days before starting a rehabilitation regime and despite the seriousness of the injury he is expected to be fit for the start of pre-season training.
Bale was forced off in the 1-1 draw l following a robust challenge from Blackpool skipper Charlie Adam and the Wales international's most impressive season to date has now ended prematurely.
Harry Redknapp had already speculated Bale would miss the games against Man City, Liverpool and Birmingham and after consulting an ankle specialist his fears were confirmed.
Source: PA
