Bale absence confirmed after scan

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.