Temporary Wales manager Robert Page has confirmed Gareth Bale will start against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.
Bale was left out of the Wales squad that drew 0-0 with the USA in a friendly on Thursday, which suggests Page – who is standing in for Ryan Giggs – has had words with Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho.
The Spurs boss was probably keen for Bale’s game time to be managed carefully during the international break, given he is yet to complete 90 minutes for the Londoners since returning on loan from Real Madrid.
Mourinho got his wish on Thursday as Bale watched on from the stands, but it looks like the 31-year-old will feature prominently in the UEFA Nations League this weekend.
“I said last week that he’s probably the fittest he’s been. It was a case of managing him this week,” Page said after the Thursday’s draw (via Wales Online).
“He was always going to be out of the 23, and have him raring to go, firing on all cylinders for Sunday.”
Tottenham fans, and Jose Mourinho, will be watching on anxiously in the hope that Bale avoids an injury while playing for Wales.
Ideally he will build more match fitness and be ready to start for Spurs against Manchester City after the international break.
