Real Madrid vs Sporting de Gijon - Zidane prepares for Sporting Gijon clash without Bale

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has challenged his squad to show they have the strength in depth to deal with the loss of Gareth Bale.

The Wales international is set for surgery in London after damaging the peroneal tendons in his right ankle during Real's Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night.

Bale, who has scored seven goals so far this season, is set for an extended spell of recovery, which could be as long as four months.

Zidane, though, remains confident there is enough talent within the group to cope as Los Blancos look to consolidate their place at the top of LaLiga with victory over Sporting Gijon at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

"It is difficult when there are injuries, it is a pain. Everyone does what they can in order to recover, but sometimes there is nothing you can do. We cannot control it and now we must look to keep on doing what we are doing," Zidane said at a press conference.

"I hope Gareth has a speedy recovery. We asked all the best specialists for their opinions and they all said we have to operate, so that is what we will do."

Zidane added: "I know that at times you think about us changing our system because of an injury, but our dynamic on the pitch is the same.

"We have many players who can play in many different positions and that is the great thing about this team."

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos will be walking a disciplinary tightrope on Saturday, given he is just one caution away from collecting a suspension which would rule him out of El Clasico against Barcelona on December 3.

Zidane, though, will not take the player out of the side and said: "Ramos will have to play against Sporting despite the fact that he is close to getting a ban.

"I know that we have an important game tomorrow and we must focus on that before the game against Barcelona. I have every faith that it will go well."

Real are on an impressive run of form, extending their record to some 30 matches unbeaten following the Champions League win in Portugal.

Zidane said: "Wins are of paramount importance because this team lives for them.

"When we played badly they criticised us. What spurs me on is winning, I'm involved in football because I want to win.

"As a coach I want to win games and titles because we are lucky, we can inspire others with our wins."

Zidane, though, ruled against any complacency taking on a Gijon side which is battling to stay in the top flight.

He said: "The game will be more difficult than people think given that it comes after two huge games this week, after which everyone is a little tired.

"We have been regaining our energy over the last few days as we will need it."

Gijon coach Abelardo Fernandez wants his side to rise to the challenge on Saturday, having lost all but two of the previous nine league games.

"The Bernabeu is the perfect place to change our scenario because it is very encouraging," he said at a press conference.

"We need to step up and defend the shirt with pride, that is the minimum."