Bale will put fear into City - AVB
Andre Villas-Boas admits Gareth Bale's return could spark fear in the hearts of Manchester City this weekend.
Tottenham return to action on Sunday after a 10-day break which has brought good and bad news for the north London club.
The time off has allowed Arsenal to knock Spurs out of the top four after they picked up four points against Norwich and Everton, but on the up side, Villas-Boas' injured stars have made good progress in their rehabilitation.
Tottenham have missed the services of Bale, Aaron Lennon, and Jermain Defoe, who have scored 40 goals between them season, over the last few weeks, but all three could be back for Sunday's visit of the Barclays Premier League champions.
Bale, odds-on favourite to win the PFA Player of the Year award, has been outstanding this term. When asked whether the 22-goal forward would cause fear in the City camp, the Tottenham manager said: "Yes, probably. I think so.
"We recognise the impact he has had for us With the run that he is on it can have that factor.
"It is good having key players around and players who have been decisive, especially in this last part of the season is always inspirational for everyone. It's good to have him back."
Tottenham's diagnosis that Bale would only miss two games after David Degen twisted the Welshman's right ankle 15 days ago seemed optimistic, but the 23-year-old has trained with his team-mates for two days this week and looks set to be included in the match day squad.
The Welshman was hindered by injury for part of last season, and also missed part of this campaign with a hamstring complaint, but Villas-Boas denied recalling the player so soon would cause more damage to Bale's ankle.
"No I don't think so," the 35-year-old said.
"He's made good progress from the beginning of the week to be training with the team so I think he will definitely up for selection."
City pair David Silva and Sergio Aguero are doubtful with hamstring problems.
Playmaker Silva has missed the last two games after pulling up in the derby win at Manchester United while striker Aguero withdrew as a precaution at half-time of the midweek game against Wigan.
Following defender Micah Richards' successful return from injury in midweek, right-back Maicon (knee) and midfielder Jack Rodwell (hamstring) could also be in contention.
Assistant boss Brian Kidd claims City's players can argue all they want if success continues.
Ex-City striker Emmanuel Adebayor, now at Tottenham, has claimed his former team-mates are likely to turn on each other when things are not going their way.
The comments have added extra spice to the clash at White Hart Lane.
But Kidd brushed off the remarks from a player who left the champions for Spurs - initially on loan - two years ago.
Kidd said: "You have only got to look at the manager and the squad of players, they don't like losing.
"With respect to Ade, if he has come out with that, Ade has not been around for the last couple of years and the boss has put silverware on the sideboard in that time.
"So I hope they carry on fighting and arguing. If you want a fight and a confrontation, you can have it every day in a football club."
Source: DSG
