"Following a review of all the scans Gareth will now undergo an examination under anaesthesia to determine the damage sustained to the foot," confirmed Sporting Director Damien Comolli on the clubs official website.
"Gareth is obviously disappointed to be sidelined for this length of time but he is still young and we have to do what is best for him in the long-run."
The injury is the latest in a string of setbacks that have hampered the full back, who has also performed well on the wing in his seven appearances, since joining from Southampton in the summer. Such has been the Welshman's impact during these fleeting appearances, Bale has established himself as a firm favourite amongst the White Hart Lane crowd, with the Tottenham faithful recognising just how important a role he already has in the team.
The loss of Bale may force Ramos and Comolli into re-thinking the clubs approach to the January transfer window. The Spaniard had been quoted as saying that buying players in January was for 'desperate' managers but he may well be forced into a re-think following the clubs continued defensive lapses. Though he will be loathe to make wholesale changes the side now lacks any naturally left footed players so a winger may well be added to a list of targets that is reported to include a central defender, a defensive midfielder and a goalkeeper.
Regardless, the loss of Bale will do little to lift the cloud that seems to have taken up permanent residence above White Hart Lane. His buccaneering forward runs, mature defensive displays and superb delivery from set-pieces will be sorely missed and Spurs fans will be hoping that Ramos continues to display his tactical nouse to cope with the loss of one his most consistent performers this season.