Harry Redknapp has admitted that Gareth Bale is ‘touch and go’ to be fit for Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League encounter with Milan on Wednesday.
Bale returned from a six-week lay-off when he came on as a second-half substitute in Sunday’s 3-3 draw at Wolves.
The Wales international’s appearance at Molineux prompted Spurs boss Redknapp to suggest the winger was ready for the return leg with Milan.
However, in the run-up to the clash at White Hart Lane, Redknapp confirmed Bale’s fitness is still a concern.
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.”
Redknapp was impressed by Bale’s display against Wolves at the weekend though.
“When Gareth came on and started to run with the ball, it was exciting,” Redknapp said.
“We’ve missed that for the last five or six weeks.
“That was his first real exertion for six weeks. He started straight away to run with the ball and when he does that, he scares people to death. He carries the game at the opposition and that makes a massive difference.”
Redknapp was boosted by the news that Rafael van der Vaart is fit to start after not featuring since the first meeting with Milan due to a calf injury.
“Van der Vaart has a good chance for Wednesday, I hope he’ll be fit,” said Redknapp.
Vedran Corluka, who was the victim of a violent challenge by Mathieu Flamini in Milan, trained on Tuesday, along with fellow defenders Younes Kaboul and Ledley King.
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