ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS is relieved that Gareth Bale escaped serious injury in the heavy tackle from Charlie Adam.

The Welsh winger was left stricken after the Reds midfielder appeared to tread on his ankle in Tottenham’s pre-season friendly with Liverpool  in the United States. Bale was in such a bad way that he was immediately substituted — throwing his availability for the start of the season into doubt.

A similar challenge from Adam, then playing for Blackpool, had also prematurely ended the 23-year-old’s 2010-11 campaign.

“Needless to say, we are extremely relieved Gareth has not been seriously injured,” Villas-Boas told The Daily Mail. “There is previous history between the two players on the challenge that was done I think three years ago.”

The Portuguese would not condemn Bale’s accusation that the Adam was a ‘coward’ and said he hoped that the Scotland international would apologise for the incident.

“Adam being called a coward? It’s Gareth speaking and he felt strongly after the match bearing in mind the player didn’t go to him to apologise for what was considered a difficult and nasty challenge,” Villas-Boas said.

“The words came out of his mouth and I’m sure he said it in full consciousness. Will we take it any further? We are discussing it within the club but in my opinion, the matter is dealt. But it would be extremely human for Charlie to come out with an apology. But you can’t force people to say anything and we will have to wait and see.”