Gareth Bale has been ruled out of El Clasico after picking up an injury against Sporting CP on Tuesday.

Real Madrid released a statement on Bale on Wednesday, confirming the status of the Welshman.

"After tests carried out on our player Gareth Bale at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with a traumatic dislocation of the peroneal tendons of his right ankle. His recovery will continue to be assessed."

Reports out of Spain suggest the injury is so severe that Bale will not play again for Real Madrid until 2017.

It means as well as El Clasico, the 27-year-old will miss the game against Borussia Dortmund and the Club World Cup.

Real Madrid travel to Camp Nou to face their great rivals on December 3rd.