If Tottenham is to make a run to a top-four finish in the Premier League, Gareth Bale will need to be a big part of it.
The Welshman returned to north London to huge fanfare this season, rejoining Spurs on loan from Real Madrid. But Bale's impact was nullified in the early going as he worked his way back from injury, with his lack of playing time in Madrid over the past two seasons compounding things.
It made for some rough initial outings when Bale first suited up for Spurs this season, but the 31-year-old has looked sensational in recent matches — he's contributed four goals over his last four matches, including a man-of-the-match performance against Burnley over the weekend.
Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho believes the blame for Bale's rough start to the season — and his downturn in production during his previous two seasons in La Liga — lies at the feet Real Madrid and its coach, Zinedine Zidane.
When asked on Wednesday why Bale had taken so long to show signs of life with Tottenham this season, Mourinho responded: "Why for the past two years he had what he had in Madrid? Ask them.
"Maybe if they answer you, you can understand better why he took a while. Maybe to be patient was the main reason for him to reach the level he showed in the last couple of weeks."
Sitting in eighth place with 13 games left in the season, pressure is mounting for Spurs to put together a charge back into the top four to secure a Champions League spot for next season. The club will will be favoured against relegation candidate Fulham when the teams square off at Craven Cottage on Thursday, and taking advantage of an in-form Bale will definitely be part of Mourinho's strategy.
Bale will take part in Thursday's match, Mourinho confirmed, but the question is how long he will be involved. The veteran attacker will play his third match in nine days when he suits up against Fulham.
"I believe so. Start the game, being on the bench, I don't know. We have to decide," Mourinho said when asked about Bale's participation on Thursday. "He's such an experienced guy so of course his opinion is very important. But good reaction, good recovering session and he will be involved."
Fulham vs. Tottenham kicks off Thursday, March 4, at 1:00 p.m. ET on DAZN Canada. Click here for a free trial.