Double boost for Mourinho as Bale set for Royal appointment

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has been given a fitness boost with Steven Bergwijn and Serge Aurier set to return for the Europa League clash with Royal Antwerp.

The duo were forced to miss Monday’s 1-0 win at Burnley. But both returned to training on Wednesday.

And with games coming thick and fast for Spurs, Mourinho will be delighted to have as many options as he can for Thursday’s showdown in Belgium.

Bergwijn had to sit out the 6-1 romp against Manchester United at Old Trafford.  He came back for the 3-3 home draw with West Ham but picked up another small knock to rule him out of the Burnley trip.

Aurier started both those games after being favoured ahead of new signing Matt Doherty.

The only player to miss training on Wednesday was Japhet Tanganga, who has a thigh problem.

Spurs started their Europa League campaign with a 3-0 victory over LASK last Thursday.

Lucas Moura, Son Heung-min and an own goal sealed a convincing success.

Antwerp also started with a win after a 2-1 success away to Ludogorets.

Spurs set to start with Bale

Mourinho will likely rotate his side from the one that edged victory at Burnley.

Gareth Bale was an unused substitute at Turf Moor but will be unleased against Antwerp.

Assistant Head Coach Joao Sacramento told tottenhamhotspur.com: “I can tell you that we will make some changes. But like in every previous match, the changes don’t mean that the team is weak.

“We believe that with the squad that we have, even with rotation, the team will keep the level and the quality of play.

“Tomorrow, Gareth Bale will start.

“Gareth is improving a lot. In terms of fitness level, his condition is much, much better, he’s feeling better every day.

“And with the interaction that we have with him, he’s feeling very positive and we believe that soon he will be at his top level again.”

Bale has played just twice since his loan more from Real Madrid.

He came on for the last 18 minutes in the 3-3 draw against West Ham. And he played the opening 62 minutes against LASK before making way.