Bale has been troubled by a back problem during the week but boss Harry Redknapp looks set to be able to call upon the left-sided player. Spurs welcome back Younes Kaboul from a ban to ease Redknapp’s central defensive headache, with Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate (both groin) still absent.

Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic are expected to be recalled by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson after both men were left out of the team to face Liverpool in the FA Cup last weekend.

And veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is expected to return to the starting XI, at the expense of Tomasz Kuszczak, having recovered from a virus. Paul Scholes is doubtful with a groin problem but definitely missing are Park Ji-Sung (international duty) and John O’Shea (calf).