Spurs star defends Bale after making quick return from Liverpool injury

Thursday, August 2, 2012
7:06 AM

Michael Dawson insists Gareth Bales ankle injury was genuine

Tottenham captain Michael Dawson insisted that Gareth Bale did not fake his ankle injury after a bad tackle from Charlie Adam.

The Welshman recovered from the knock to score in the victory over New York Red Bulls 72 hours later and Dawson insisted the injury was genuine.

“If you saw his ankle, you would see it was bruised,” Dawson said. “No way was he faking. You saw him leave at the weekend with a [protective boot on the ankle].

“He was out with a back injury so he needed to get games. The gaffer wanted to give everyone minutes and Gareth is no different.

“The physios have been working hard on him day and night. Some people heal quicker than others. You always worry with ankles. I’ve had ankle injuries and you know they can be sore and you never know how bad they are until the swelling comes up.

“Once there is fluid in the ankle, it takes time to come down. Fortunately, Gareth didn’t do his ligaments.”