Bale ruled out for rest of season

Bale receives treatment after Adam’s tackle

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale has ruptured ankle ligaments but the club hope he will be fit for pre-season.

A scan has revealed the extent of the damage suffered after a tackle by Charlie Adam forced Bale go off on a stretcher in a draw against Blackpool.

“Gareth will remain in a protective boot for up to 12 days before beginning rehabilitation.” said a statement from the Premier League club.

“The player is expected to be fit for the start of pre-season.”

Wales international Bale, 21, went off after 64 minutes of the 1-1 draw against Blackpool at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Midfielder Adam, who was linked with a move to Spurs in the January transfer window, escaped without a booking for the challenge and went on to miss a penalty as well as score a spot-kick in the game.

“It was a bad challenge by Charlie but it’s out of character for him,” said Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, whose side play Manchester City on Tuesday before games against Liverpool and Birmingham.

“He caught him but having met the boy a few times and spoken to him, I don’t think he’s that type of lad who would go and purposely try to do somebody like that.

“It was an enthusiastic tackle but it was a bad tackle and he could have easily seen a red card. He came into the dressing room afterwards and apologised.”

The injury to the Professional Footballers’ Association player of the year is also set to rule him out of playing for Wales at the Four Associations’ Tournament later this month.