San Siro showdown too soon for return of Bale

TOTTENHAM boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed Gareth Bale’s back injury will keep the Wales winger out of tomorrow’s Champions League tie at AC Milan.

The 21-year-old has had a sparkling first half to the season — highlighted by a brilliant hat-trick in Spurs’ 4-3 group-stage defeat to Inter Milan on their first trip to the San Siro. But asked whether Bale would feature against the Serie A leaders, Redknapp said: “No. He’s struggling, to be truthful.

“I’d like to be able to scare Milan a bit and say he’s going to be available but he’s struggling to get over this back injury.”

Croatia playmaker Luka Modric also looks set to miss out, having undergone an operation to remove his appendix only 12 days ago. There was better news regarding Holland midfielder Rafael van der Vaart, who has been struggling with a calf strain, but still a doubt over England striker Peter Crouch.

“[Van der Vaart] should be fit,” said Redknapp. “Crouch is touch and go. His back’s a problem.”

Redknapp also confirmed Sandro and Wilson Palacios would form his central midfield partnership, with Tom Huddlestone injured and Jermaine Jenas suspended.

“I’ve only got two central midfielders,” he said. “We’ve got to wrap them in cotton wool and they’ll be playing.”