Tottenham Hotspur have pledged not to rush Gareth Bale back even as the all-action full-back prepares to undergo an examination of his right foot under anaesthesia to determine the severity of his sprained ligament.

The 18-year-old Wales international suffered his latest setback in the defeat to Birmingham City after having endured an injury-troubled spell at White Hart Lane since his summer move from Southampton.

Amidst fears that he could be sidelined for at least three months, Spurs Sporting Director Damien Comolli said on the official website of the club: "Following a review of all the scans Gareth will now undergo an examination under anaesthesia to determine the damage sustained to the foot.

"Even if the examination reveals that his foot is stable the decision has been taken to bring him back slowly to ensure he does not get a repeat of the injury or suffers any further damage.

"Gareth is obviously disappointed to be sidelined for this length of time but he is still young and we have to do what is best for him in the long-run."