Bale out for the season

Bale: Suffers ankle ligament damage against Blackpool

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale will be out for the remainder of the season, the club have confirmed.

The 21-year-old Welsh wideman was on the receiving end of a bad challenge from Blackpool’s Charlie Adam during the 1-1 stalemate at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

An MRI scan has revealed that Bale has suffered ruptured ankle ligament damage and that he will miss Spurs’ remaining fixtures this term.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “An MR scan today (Monday) has revealed that Gareth Bale has suffered a ruptured ankle ligament.

“The Wales international was forced off with the injury in the second half of our weekend fixture against Blackpool.

“Following consultations with an ankle specialist, Gareth will remain in a protective boot for up to 12 days before beginning rehabilitation with the player expected to be fit for the start of pre-season.”

Bale has been one of the revelations of the Premier League this term after a blistering campaign that recently saw him named PFA Player of the Year.

Fantastic year

Superb domestic form earlier in the season coupled with some remarkable performances in the UEFA Champions league have made the youngster one of Europe’s most coveted players.

Bale hit a hat-trick in the San Siro against Inter Milan before tearing the Nerazzurri apart in the home fixture against the Italians in North London.

He was forced off on a stretcher against the Tangerines after a nasty challenge from Adam at the weekend, although the Scottish midfielder was not penalised.

Bale left White Hart Lane on crutches wearing a protective boot and Harry Redknapp admitted that a return this season was unlikely.

Redknapp’s fears have now been confirmed and the Spurs boss must now hope that he can make a swift recovery and be ready for pre-season training.

Bale will miss games against Manchester City, Liverpool and Birmingham as Tottenham look to finish the year on a high.