Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Gareth Bale missed Tottenham’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Everton due to a muscular problem.
Bale was an unused substitute for Sunday’s victory over West Brom, but wasn’t included in the 20-man matchday squad for the trip to Goodison Park.
The Welshman has struggled for opportunities in recent months – with his only starts since Christmas coming against Wycombe in the FA Cup fourth-round and the defeat to Brighton.
Mourinho was asked about Bale’s absence following the 5-4 defeat against the Toffees.
He said: “Well I think it’s better for me to say. So we played against West Bromwich on the Sunday and he didn’t play. On Monday I was a little bit surprised by him wanting to have a scan because he was not comfortable with some muscular area.” (Quotes Football.London).
“So he didn’t train on Monday and then on Tuesday he trained with the team but I was informed that his desire would be to work with the sports science for a couple of days to strengthen that area where he’s not feeling comfortable. That’s the reason why he’s not here.”
This is the latest blow in what has so far been a disastrous loan spell for Bale. Having made just 15 appearances in all competitions since returning from Real Madrid, it’s looking more and more likely that he won’t be returning once his loan expires at the end of the season.
