Redknapp hopeful on duos fitness

Last updated : 07 March 2011 By BBC Sport

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp says Rafael van der Vaart and Gareth Bale could be fit for the last-16, second-leg Champions League tie with AC Milan.Van der Vaart has been out with a calf problem, while Bale returned on Sunday after six weeks out with a back injury.

"We will play an attacking team," said Redknapp, whose side lead 1-0 from the first leg. "We'll play [Aaron] Lennon and probably Gareth Bale and have a go.

"And Van der Vaart has a good chance for Wednesday, I hope he will be fit."

Playmaker Van der Vaart has been out since Spurs won the first leg 1-0 at the San Siro on 15 February.

Bale made his first appearance since 22 January when he came on as a substitute in Sunday's 3-3 Premier League draw at Wolves.

"When Gareth came on and started to run with the ball, it was exciting," said the Spurs manager. "We've missed that for the last five or six weeks.

"That was his first real exertion for six weeks. He started straight away to run with the ball and, when he does that, he scares people to death.

"He carries the game at the opposition and that makes a massive difference."

Milan beat Juventus 1-0 on Sunday ahead of the second leg at While Hart Lane and, while Redknapp is planning an attacking strategy, he is concerned by his side's defensive frailties.

In addition to the goals conceded at Wolves, Tottenham also let in three at Blackpool in their previous fixture.

"There were lots of positives for me from the [Wolves] game but we just didn't defend well in a couple of positions and that is a problem," said Redknapp.

"Conceding goals is a concern. Conceding three at Blackpool was a concern. It is disappointing to let three goals in, especially when you score three."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport