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Gareth Bale likely to start on bench against AC Milan

Pa
Tuesday 08 March 2011 17:46 GMT
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Bale picked up an injury while on international duty
Bale picked up an injury while on international duty (GETTY IMAGES)

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has revealed that Gareth Bale looks likely to only be fit enough for a place on the bench for tomorrow's clash with AC Milan.

The Welshman took part in a training session this morning after making his comeback from a six-week back injury layoff as a substitute in the 3-3 draw at Wolves yesterday.

That appeared to put the 21-year-old in line to start tomorrow's second leg at White Hart Lane, but Redknapp confirmed this afternoon that his star winger is likely to begin the last-16 clash at White Hart Lane on the touchline after he felt stiffness in his legs following the session.

Redknapp said: "Gareth trained this morning, he still felt a little bit stiff. His back was okay but he felt a little stiff in his legs so we will wait until tomorrow to see how he is.

"It's touch and go. At the moment it would be doubtful whether he would be fit to start."

Bale's loss is a big blow to Spurs but Redknapp will take comfort from the knowledge that his side beat the Rossoneri 1-0 without him three weeks ago in the first leg of the last-16 tie at the San Siro.

Redknapp was boosted by the news that Rafael van der Vaart is fit to start tomorrow after he missed the game at Molineux with a calf injury.

Younes Kaboul, Vedran Corluka and Ledley King all trained this morning and could also play.

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