Tottenham defender Gareth Bale is expected to be out for the rest of the season as he continues to recover from a foot injury.

The 18-year-old left back had his impressive start to his Spurs career cut short when he suffered a sprained ligament in his right foot in December's 3-2 home defeat to Birmingham City.

Club doctors have now removed the cast his foot had been in since last month, but have given him a very slim chance of playing again this season.

Tottenham sporting director Damien Comolli told the club's official website: "Gareth's injury was reviewed today and although the surgeon was happy with the results of the X-rays he does not anticipate Gareth being able to play any further part in this season.

"We are all disappointed for Gareth, but he is still very young and his long-term fitness is our priority."

Previous to his current injury, the Wales international had spent most of November on the sidelines with bruising to the same foot sustained against Newcastle.

Bale has proved a big hit at Tottenham since he joined in the summer from Southampton for a fee that could rise to £10 million, scoring three goals in his 12 appearances for the north London side.

Tony Mabert / Eurosport