Spurs boss Jose Mourinho shares what Gareth Bale told him at half-time before having to come off

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that Gareth Bale let him know “immediately” at the break that he couldn’t come out for the second half in last night’s League Cup quarter-final clash.

Spurs ran out 3-1 winners at Stoke, with Bale opening the scoring when he turned Harry Winks’ cross in at the right-hand post on 22 minutes, and he delivered a great first half of football overall for the visitors.

However, the Wales international did not come out for the second half, and had to watch as the Potters mounted a comeback, with Jordan Thompson firing past Hugo Lloris in the 53rd minute.

Tottenham fought back and went ahead for the second time in the game through Ben Davies’ long-range effort before Harry Kane wrapped up the victory nine minutes from time.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Mourinho stressed that Bale’s withdrawal was not a tactical or pre-planned decision, stating that the player felt he couldn’t continue after the interval.

Asked by Football London whether Bale suffered an injury, the Portuguese replied: “Yeah, was his decision.

“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 for the second half.”

When asked what the injury was, Mourinho said: “I don’t know. Something I think with calf. I’m not sure as at that time I just want to reorganise the team and make the change.”

Tottenham will take on fellow London side Brentford in the semi-finals, while Manchester United and Manchester City face off in a derby.

The fixtures are expected to take place at Wembley during the week of 4 January.