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PREMIER LEAGUE

Mourinho reveals reasons for Bale's absence

Gareth Bale missed Tottenham's game against Crystal Palace on Sunday but Mourinho said he expects him to be back for Wednesday's crunch tie against Liverpool.

Tottenham Hotspur's Portuguese head coach Jose Mourinho react at the final whistle during the UEFA Europa League 1st round Group J football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Antwerp at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on December 10, 2020.
Tottenham Hotspur's Portuguese head coach Jose Mourinho react at the final whistle during the UEFA Europa League 1st round Group J football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Antwerp at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on December 10, 2020. KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTHAFP

Jose Mourinho has revealed the reason for Gareth Bale’s omission from the matchday squad for Tottenham’s trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Real Madrid loanee was absent as Spurs saw out a 1-1 draw with their London neighbours after the home side found a late equaliser through Jeffrey Schlupp to cancel out Harry Kane’s first-half goal.

Asked about Bale’s absence, Mourinho only said that the Welshman was ill but confirmed he was not suffering from coronavirus, adding that he expected him to be back for Wednesday’s crunch meeting with fellow table-toppers Liverpool.

“He was ill, but, of course, it’s not Covid and not even one of these flus that keep you in bed for a week. We believe that, for Wednesday, he will be fine," said the Spurs coach, whose side currently sit top of the table with 25 points.