Carlos Díez: “Bale does not have a slipped disc and won't require surgery”


“The newspaper spoke to Real Madrid’s medical staff and we explained to them exactly what he has. We don’t understand their interpretation of this information”, said the head of the Sanitas-Real Madrid Medical Services.

Realmadrid.com


Carlos Díez, head of the Sanitas-Real Madrid Medical Services, has refuted the information Marca published about Gareth Bale and assures that: “To date, we can confirm that he does not have a slipped disc and won’t require surgery. The newspaper spoke to Real Madrid’s medical staff and we explained to them exactly what he has. Therefore, we don’t understand their interpretation of this information”.

Does Bale have a slipped disc?

No. And that is what we’ve published on Real Madrid’s official website. We issued a statement in which we clarify the information the newspaper published. There is no slipped disc and we talked about a small disc bulge, which has nothing to do with the concept of a slipped disc. Top athletes often have these small anatomic anomalies. It was an isolated MRI finding that has to be put into context. It’s insignificant because it doesn’t require follow-up. The player doesn’t have any symptoms and therefore it can’t be compared with any of these facts.

Will the disc bulge prevent Bale from playing?

No. When we find these conditions all we do is work through preventive medicine. We do preventative work so that these protrusions don’t worsen. Strengthen the back and abdominal muscles so that the core works as a type of a brace, stabilising this joint space so that no additional stress is put on these anomalies.

The newspaper that published this information knew that Bale does not have a slipped disc?

Yes. They spoke with Real Madrid’s medical staff and we explained to them exactly what he has. Therefore, we don’t understand their interpretation of this information.

The newspaper also claimed that the club knew about it…

We have a protocol. Medical examinations to ensure that players are fit follow established channels. And I would like to deny what has been said. The president knew nothing about it because there wasn’t anything to report. The player was fit to play and the usual channels were followed.


What is the status and how is the player evolving?

Right now he has a small thigh muscle contracture. It happened during the warm-up at the Santiago Bernabéu and he injured it again in the match against Atlético de Madrid. We’re being cautious in that regard and above all working progressively because he didn’t have a preseason to prepare like the other players. But we’re also placing it into the context of the competition schedule. Now we have a match against Málaga, after that a Champions League game and then the Clásico against Barcelona, where hopefully he’ll have had time on the pitch already and can be there 120%.

At no time has Bale suffered a slipped disc and he won’t require surgery, right?

To date, we can confirm that he does not have a slipped disc and won’t require surgery.