The Talisman striker opened the scoring to help his team reach the semi-finals, but did not return at their own discretion after the interval
Jose Mourinho said changing Gareth Bale’s half-time in Stoke City Tottenham’s quarter-final victory in the Carabao Cup was not a tactical choice, revealing that the Welshman was removed amid fears of a potential injury.
The Talisman striker, who has largely returned to the club on loan from Real Madrid on loan earlier this year, opened the scoring in the Spurs ’3-1 win over the Potters on Wednesday night.
The 31-year-old threw a Harry Winks cross to the right post just after 20 minutes, but was forced to watch his side refuse to return from the bench in the second half after being substituted at intervals.
As Bale imposed himself in the game in probably one of his better performances since returning to the Lilywhites, his absence instead of Son Heung-min was initially felt at bet365 stadium, before Ben Davies and Harry Kane secured promotion to the semi-finals. .
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Mourinho said the limited performance of the former Southampton was not planned in advance, adding that the player chose to retire after feeling a potential problem.
“It was his decision,” the Portuguese said. “[It was] something he felt. He told me as soon as I headed to the locker room [at half-time]. “
I’m talking to Sky Sports, Mourinho added: “I can’t say what, I can’t say the dimension of it. Now it’s time for the medical department and I’ll try to know.”
Bale started only the second home start of the season, returning to north London during the rehabilitation period due to an existing knee problem.
Although he has played in all Europa League matches so far, he has been given limited chances elsewhere due to a combination of recovery and illness attacks.
Nonetheless, the Spurs will hopefully be placed on only a short release as they gradually continue to return to full fitness.
Tottenham will next face a trip to the Wolves on December 27, before hosting Fulham with relegation three days later. They start in 2021 at home in Leeds, on January 2nd.