Jose Mourinho hints at Tottenham start for Gareth Bale against West Ham

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Jose Mourinho has told the Evening Standard that Gareth Bale was substituted in order to preserve him for Sunday’s clash with West Ham at the London Stadium.

Bale produced his best performance since returning to the club, helping Tottenham take a commanding 4-1 lead into their second leg with Wolfsberger.

The 31-year-old scored and registered an assist against the Austrian side and his performance could prove just the tonic for his confidence.

Bale has struggled to scale the heights which he showcased the first time around, since returning to Tottenham during the summer transfer window.

He has started just twice in the Premier League but according to Mourinho, another opportunity might not be too far away.

The Portuguese told the Evening Standard: “One of the reasons why he left the pitch by minute 64 was to try and have him available for the next month.

“By taking him off at that minute we managed to save him a few miles in his legs. I know the match is Sunday at 12 but I believe he has a chance to play the match.

“For him, it was important not to play the 90 minutes.”

TBR View: Bale needs to use latest performance to kick on

The Welshman has been severely lacking in fitness and confidence since arriving back at Tottenham for a second spell.

He must now use this game as a platform to kick on for the rest of the campaign.

A goal and assist will have done wonders for his mindset and it sounds as though Mourinho has big plans for him.

Spurs have endured some rotten league form of late and in Bale they do have a player capable of getting them out of their slump.

The 87-cap star looks likely to start this weekend against the in-form West Ham.

If he gets into the groove, West Ham had better watch out.