Mourinho gives Bale injury update after Tottenham medics diagnose problem

Jose Mourinho admits he’s still in the dark as to when Gareth Bale will be fit to make his second Tottenham debut.

The Welshman is suffering with a knee injury sustained on international duty, and is facing a month on the sideline.

Tottenham were aware of Bale’s injury prior to signing him on a season-long loan in a deal worth £20million last week.

But Mourinho admits after a closer assessment the club is no closer to knowing when the 31-year-old will be ready to play.

“I don’t know when Gareth can be back,” said Mourinho. “The only thing that I know is that the motivation is high, he is so happy to be with a club of his heart.

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“When a player has this motivation, many, many times you can shorten the period of recovering and getting fit.”

Bale joined Tottenham on loan from Real Madrid, with his team-mate in Spain, Sergio Reguilon, putting pen to paper with Spurs on the same day.

Bale said: “It’s nice to be back. This is such a special club to me. It’s where I made my name. What an amazing club, amazing fans, and it’s just incredible to be back.

“Hopefully now I can get some match fitness, help the team and win trophies.

“I always thought when I did leave that one day I would love to come back, and the opportunity has now arisen. I feel like it’s a good fit, it’s a good time for me, I’m hungry, I’m motivated, I want to do well and can’t wait to get started.”

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