Football

Glenn Hoddle on Gareth Bale’s Tottenham return: ‘Good luck to the physios’


Gareth Bale’s return has got Tottenham fans very excited (Picture: Getty Images)

Tottenham fans are thrilled by the return to the club of Gareth Bale, but Glenn Hoddle has warned them that fitness could well be an issue for the Welshman.

The 31-year-old has returned to Spurs on a one-year loan deal from Real Madrid, having moved the opposite way seven years ago and winning four Champions League titles in the meantime.

Bale had fallen out of favour under Zinedine Zidane in Madrid and has played little football over the last two seasons, which Hoddle believes may be a plus for him, but he will still struggle to rediscover the kind of performances he used to produce for Spurs.

It is already set to be a slow start for his second spell in north London, with a knee injury ruling him out until the middle of October and the former Spurs boss is just curbing expectations a little.

‘I don’t think we’re going to see a Gareth Bale like when he left Tottenham,’ Hoddle told FourFourTwo. ‘I don’t think he’s going to be box to box, beating five or six players.

‘There’ll be times when that might happen in little spurts, but he’s a more experienced player now, and if he can keep his body fit and keep that engine right, with the experience he’s gained, he’s always had a pass in him.

‘For some players who rely on their pace, they find it hard when they get into the autumn of their career. Gareth can see pictures, he can pass and he can create, as well as score wonderful goals. I think we’ll see a slightly different player, but it will suit Jose [Mourinho] tactically.

‘It’s going to be a massive challenge for Tottenham and Gareth Bale, hence why they have to get his body right. Good luck to those physios at Tottenham, they’ve got a big job on their hands.’

After announcing the signing, Tottenham confirmed Bale will miss at least the next five games due to his current knee injury.

A statement read: ‘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.’

MORE: He’s back! Tottenham Hotspur complete signing of Gareth Bale from Real Madrid

MORE: Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane wishes ‘spectacular’ Gareth Bale well ahead of Tottenham move

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