Jose Mourinho hints at Gareth Bale start against West Ham

According to Evening Standard, Gareth Bale could be set for a starting spot when Tottenham face West Ham over the weekend. Manager Jose Mourinho gave hints that Bale was withdrawn in the Wolfsberger game so as to start him in the league on Sunday.

Gareth Bale seemed to have found a bit of his form in the Europa League game with a goal and assist against Wolfsberger. Spurs went on to win the game comfortably by 4-1 and are almost certain to clear this round with ease barring any mishap in the second leg.

The Welsh winger has struggled for game time in recent weeks, making only a substitute appearance against Manchester City. He also did not feature against Everton in the FA Cup, asking to stay back and work with the club staff.

However, Mourinho sort of confirmed Bale’s participation for the West Ham game.

“One of the reasons why he left the pitch by minute 64 was to try to have him available for the next match. By taking him off at that minute we managed to save him a few miles in his legs.

“I know the match is Sunday at 12 o’clock but I believe he has a chance to play the match. For him it was important to play and not to play the 90 minutes.”

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Bale was subbed off after 64 minutes for Erik Lamela. He did score Spurs’ second and assisted Son’s goal which got the team in front. With an important league game to come against West Ham, it will be interesting to see how Bale performs, especially now that he has a spring in his step.