Gareth Bale ruled out for 'a few weeks' with calf injury

Jose Mourinho has confirmed that winger Tottenham winger Gareth Bale is set to miss another few weeks of action because of a calf injury.

The Welshman, who is on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, has managed just 11 appearances in all competitions since returning to the club, with just one of those outings coming as a start in the Premier League.

Bale made a return from an earlier injury to score in the recent 3-1 win over Stoke City, during which he was forced off the field at half-time as a precaution, and he was not included in the matchday squad to face Wolves last time out.

“I don't expect him to be fit [for Fulham] and also I have my doubts that Lucas [Moura] and [Carlos] Vinicius can be fit for Fulham," Mourinho said (via the Telegraph). “I wouldn’t say it [Bale’s injury] is serious, but I’d say [he will be out for] a few weeks.”

If Bale is out for a few weeks, not only will he miss the Fulham game, but it also seems likely that he will miss upcoming meetings with Leeds United and Marine, while his involvement in the trip to Aston Villa on January 13 is also up in the air.

This latest injury comes as yet another blow to Bale, who had hoped to rediscover some of his best form after finally sealing a move away from Real.

According to AS, Real are growing increasingly frustrated by Bale's situation. They had hoped he would play enough to prove himself and earn a permanent move away from the club next summer, but that now seems unlikely.

Los Blancos are eyeing blockbuster moves for PSG's Kylian Mbappe and Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland next summer, but their ability to sign both players could hinge on a permanent Bale exit.

Club officials hope to recover some form of transfer fee for the Welshman, but the main priority is to rid themselves of Bale's enormous wages. However, with Bale yet to prove he can play a reliable role in a team, the chances of another club shelling out to sign him next summer are slim.

For Spurs, they will have to try and get back to winning ways without Bale. Mourinho's men are without a win in their last four Premier League games and have seen themselves fall to seventh in the table.

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