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Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has denied reports that Gareth Bale has a tear in his hamstring. The Welshman missed a match at the midweek for his country in a friendly versus Costa Rica in Cardiff. The Spurs boss says there is tightness but not a tear and it appears that Bale may face Manchester United on Sunday:
"We’ll wait to see how he is, but he should be okay. He hasn’t got a tear in his hamstring, just a little tightness. It shouldn’t be a problem."
- Redknapp | Source: TottenhamHotspur.com
'Arry also provided an update on Ledley King, Rafael van der Vaart, and Kyle Walker. King was substituted off last weekend in the North London derby versus Arsenal FC when he felt his hamstring. van der Vaart and Walker were held from international duty at the midweek due to knocks and their availability had been in question.
"Rafa will train today and feels a lot better. Kyle’s okay, he should be fit and Ledley’s not bad, hopefully he will come out to train tomorrow and we’ll see how he is."
- Redknapp
Scott Parker is unavailable for Sunday's match at White Hart Lane due to his sending-off last weekend. Redknapp discussed his possible deputies:
"It’s a blow for us, Scotty’s been in great form. But we’ve got Sandro and Jake Livermore and it’s a chance for them to step up to the plate and do the job."
- Redknapp
If Bale is a surprise exclusion -- or even forced to a substitute's role -- due to his hamstring, then expect either Danny Rose or Niko Kranjcar to start in the Welshman's place. van der Vaart is able to play behind a lead or striker or he can pop out wide as a narrow midfielder. If the Dutchman isn't fit to start, then former United striker Louis Saha is in contention to start alongside Emmanuel Adebayor up front. Michael Dawson likely comes into the starting lineup if either King or Walker is not fit enough to start -- Walker's potential absence probably results in Younes Kaboul sliding over to right-back.