He's not a crock... Real knew about Bale's back woes and deny he needs surgery as angry agent defends £86m star.

Real Madrid have revealed that their £86million signing Gareth Bale is suffering from a 'small chronic disc protrusion' in his back but denied reports the injury will mean the player requires surgery.
The player’s agent Jonathan Barnett reacted angrily to a story about the injury in Marca labeling it 'complete rubbish, irresponsible and a disgrace.'
Marca reported that Bale was suffering from a lumbar disc hernia that is usually only cured by an operation. It was also suggested the condition explained the thigh muscle problems that have seen him play just 132 minutes and make only one start so far this season.

Sidelined: Bale may need surgery to remedy the problem that has plagued his start to life at Madrid

Get going: The injury is not expected to affect his scheduled return to action on October 23

Real Madrid issued a statement saying: ‘It is completely false that the player has a discal hernia. He has a small chronic protrusion in a spinal disc that will not affect him playing.'
The player’s agent Jonathan Barnett said: 'He is the most expensive signing in history. If there had been a problem they (Real Madrid) would have stopped the signing.'
Barnett added that Bale was recovering from a small thigh muscle tear and would soon be fit for action but Marca stood by their story with Real Madrid’s denial beneath their original report of the hernia on their web page.

Waiting game: Bale has played just three times since his record-breaking move in August

Bale is in the midst of a 15-day intensive training programme and is expected to return to first-team action ahead of Real Madrid’s crucial games against Juventus on October 23 and Barcelona three days after.
Real say they detected the back injury during the player’s medical. Bale then appeared in the starting line-up against Villarreal just three days later, but has yet to start a second game.
A lumbar disc hernia is a degeneration of one of the spinal discs that sit between vertebrae, allowing the inner tissue to protrude. The injury can put pressure on the spinal nerve root that runs through the buttock and down the leg causing thigh muscle problems.

Firepower: Ronaldo has been on blistering form so far this term, but Real could do with Bale to bolster their starting XI

Title push: Bale is desperate to form a long run in the team, with Real currently third in La Liga

Former Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuaín suffered the injury three seasons ago. The club wanted the forward to avoid an operation but then manager Jose Mourinho insisted he go under the knife, fuming that the club allowed his condition to deteriorate before finally giving in and allowing surgery.
Mourinho’s anger at the delay came from previous experience of the injury with John Terry who was out for three months after repair surgery. Yaya Toure and Santi Cazorla are others who have suffered the injury but returned to full fitness.
Madrid doctor Carlos Diez subsequently told Cadena Ser radio: 'These findings [in Bale’s back] are not important as the player is not in pain. He is playing and training normally.' He also ruled out an operation.
Barnett added: 'Gareth will be available to Mr Ancelotti after the international break. He has had a slight tear in his thigh. He is angry that a newspaper can write such rubbish.'