Gareth Bale has been ruled out for at least three months after Tottenham revealed he will undergo an exploratory examination of his right foot.

Wales defender Bale, 18, was substituted with an injury to his right foot against Birmingham at the start of the month and, having undergone various scans, he will have an examination under anaesthesia to investigate further.

"Following a review of all the scans Gareth will now undergo an examination under anaesthesia to determine the damage sustained to the foot," Spurs sporting director Damien Comolli told the club's website.

"Even if the examination reveals that his foot is stable the decision has been taken to bring him back slowly to ensure he does not get a repeat of the injury or suffers any further damage.

"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."