New Tottenham Hotspur signing Gareth Bale will not be available for selection until after the October international break, according to the club.
Bale was announced as a Spurs player once again, seven years after leaving the club on Saturday evening, joining on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid.
The Wales forward has returned to north London following a hugely successful spell in the Spanish capital - winning the Champions League four times, the La Liga title twice and the Copa del Rey once.
The 31-year-old is now a much more experienced player and he will be playing under Jose Mourinho for the first time, as Tottenham look to improve from last season’s disappointing showing.
The club said: “Gareth sustained a knee injury whilst playing for Wales on international duty earlier this month and this together with La Liga’s later start compared to the Premier League means he has had a limited pre-season.
“We currently anticipate that he will be match fit after October’s international break.”
This means Bale is unlikely to be available for Spurs’ games against Southampton, Leyton Orient, Shkendija, Newcastle United and Manchester United.
If the club’s time frame is correct, then Bale could return for the London derby against West Ham United on October 17, which is followed by matches against Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Bale was a real fan favourite before leaving the club in 2013, scoring 21 goals in 33 Premier League appearances during the 2012-13 season.
The Welshman picked up both Football of the Year awards as a result, before moving for a then-record-fee of £86 million.
