• Champions League

Redknapp confirms Bale will play against Real Madrid

ESPNsoccernet staff
April 4, 2011
Gareth Bale missed the weekend draw at Wigan © Getty Images
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Harry Redknapp has confirmed Gareth Bale is fit and will be expected to play when Tottenham take on Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Bale has been nursing a hamstring problem that prevented him playing for Wales in a recent Euro 2012 qualifier with England, but Redknapp is excited by what his prized asset can bring to the Tottenham attack in Madrid.

"Hopefully Gareth will be fit," said the Spurs manager. "He is going to train tonight. Let's hope he has no problems and if he is OK then he will play.

"He gives us fantastic pace and the ability to carry the ball, and he allows us to turn defence into attack very quickly."

Redknapp also expects William Gallas to recover from a knee problem in time to face the Spanish giants. Like Bale, Gallas missed the weekend trip to Wigan but he is expected to bolster a threadbare Tottenham defence at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"William Gallas is going to train tonight," revealed Redknapp. "Hopefully he will be fit. Steven Pienaar didn't travel. He has a groin injury."

Spurs are already missing Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate from the heart of their defence, while Alan Hutton's absence has left Redknapp light at right-back. Tottenham may also be left with only six substitutes due a new injury for Niko Kranjcar.

"Niko is struggling with a foot injury," added Redknapp. "He kicked the bottom of someone's boot on Saturday against Wigan. It is badly bruised and swollen. In fact at the moment we might have six subs on the bench instead of seven."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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