Jose Mourinho confirms Gareth Bale suffered calf issue after scoring opener in Tottenham’s victory at Stoke

Glimpse of quality: Gareth Bale scored Tottenham’s opener at Stoke before being withdrawn at the interval
Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I

Jose Mourinho has offered an update on Gareth Bale’s fitness after Tottenham beat Stoke City to seal their spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

The Welshman opened the scoring in Spurs’ 3-1 win over Championship opposition at the bet365 Stadium on Wednesday after expertly heading Harry Winks’ pinpoint cross beyond Andy Lonergan.

That was only Bale’s third goal since rejoining Tottenham on loan from Real Madrid over the summer, but he did not emerge for the second half and was replaced by Heung-min Son.

Mourinho revealed after the game that Bale had asked to be substituted at half-time after feeling discomfort in his calf.

“It was his decision,” Mourinho said. “Something he felt in the last part of the first half and he didn’t want to come out before the second half so he stayed.

“While he was walking to the dressing room he told me immediately that he couldn’t come [out] for the second half.

“Something I think with [his] calf. I’m not sure as at that time I just want to reorganise the team and make the change.”

Jordan Thompson’s effort shortly after the break cancelled out Bale’s header, but Ben Davies restored Tottenham’s lead and Harry Kane later sealed the win.

Mourinho said: “Instead of killing the game, we killed ourselves by losing a counter-attack ball and allowed them to score the 1-1.”

Jose Mourinho is looking to guide Tottenham to their first piece of silverware since 2008
AFP via Getty Images

On Spurs’ chances of winning the Carabao Cup, he added: “To win this trophy we need to win two matches. But they are two very difficult matches. To win other trophies you need to win much more matches.

“The FA Cup didn’t start for us. The Europa League we are in the last 32. We are really far from getting there. In the Premier League I told you already what we are.

“But they are a very difficult two matches. If you win the first one you have to win the second. The teams that are going to be there are very difficult teams. Man City are very difficult. Brentford for me the way they play they are not Championship, they are Premier League.

"And Everton or Manchester United are one of the very top teams. But we are in the semi-finals and we will be there to fight.”

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