AVB: "Bale could start against City"

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has claimed that winger Gareth Bale is available for Sunday’s crunch tie against the reigning Premier League champions Manchester City at White Hart Lane.

The 23-year-old Wales international was on the sidelines for last two games following an ankle injury he suffered in the Europa League quarter-final first leg against FC Basel. The manager however refused to comment on whether Bale would start the match. Speaking to the reporters, Villas-Boas said:

“Gazza has been training for the last two days with the team and on his own since the beginning of the week.

“He has made good progress from the beginning of the week to training with the team, so definitely will be up for selection. Whether he will start or not, this is a decision I have to make.”

Winger Aaron Lennon and striker Jermaine Defoe are also expected to be involved on Sunday following their return from injuries. Villas-Boas added:

“There has been a good recovery from Defoe so he’s trained with the team all week. Lennon has been recovering progressively. He hasn’t trained with the team yet so there is one more training session to go. All of them are in with a chance of making the selection.”

Meanwhile, Manchester City will assess the condition of their star striker Sergio Aguero after the Argentine was taken off at halftime against Wigan Athletic in midweek. Key player David Silva is also doubtful for the game. Silva pulled his hamstring in the latter stages of the Manchester derby and missed the FA Cup semifinal clash against Chelsea and the league game against Wigan. Assistant manager Brian Kidd told the reporters:

“Today we will know more about Sergio. It was more fatigue than a tear or a strain.

“It was the same with David Silva – it was the length of the game. Normally if a hamstring goes, you tear it early on. David has joined in with the group and had a bit of possession in a small-sided game. Sunday might be a bit too soon for him.”