Bale has been out of action since picking up the injury in Spurs' 1-1 draw with Newcastle just over a fortnight ago.

Reports this afternoon had suggested Bale had felt a twinge in his back during his rehabilitation.

It is understood, however, that the Welshman is recovering well from the injury and is on schedule to be fit enough to travel to Italy for the first leg of Spurs' second-round clash, which takes place on Tuesday.

Should Bale make the trip to Milan, his presence will be a huge boost to Harry Redknapp's side given that the 21-year-old put in two stunning performances against Milan's local rivals Inter earlier this season.

Bale scored a sublime hat-trick in the San Siro in October before coming back to haunt the European champions the following month by running rings around Brazil right-back Maicon to inspire Spurs to a 3-1 win at White Hart Lane.

As well as Bale, Redknapp is also sweating on the fitness of a number of other key players ahead of the clash in Milan.

Peter Crouch had to withdraw from England duty this week with a back injury but is thought to be recovering well, and Rafael van der Vaart could be rested for this Saturday's match at Sunderland in order to be fit for Milan after straining his calf against Bolton.

One person who could come in for Crouch if he does not recover in time is unsettled striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

The Russia striker played an important role in Spurs' successful push for Champions League football last season but has spent much of his time on the bench this year.

Pavlyuchenko made his frustration with Redknapp clear last week when he was quoted in Russian newspaper Sport Express saying: "I'm convinced the coach does not believe in me. I am tired of being treated like this."

The 29-year-old now looks set to leave White Hart Lane this summer and has been linked with a move to either Roma or Newcastle.

Should Pavlyuchenko decide to return to his homeland instead, the club which he left to join Spurs, Spartak Moscow, have made it clear they would be willing to sign him providing the price is right.

Club director Dmitri Popov told Championat.ru: "Roman Pavlyuchenko is a top-class player.

"In the Russian championship he has (previously) scored goals consistently, plus he has a Russian passport. In addition he has played for the club.

"Therefore you can understand why we are interested.

"The thing will be the price that Tottenham want. Last year we made an official offer and never received a reply."

One bit of good news for Tottenham today was that Jonathan Woodgate played his first full match since injuring his groin 15 months ago.

The former Real Madrid defender, who has been included in Redknapp's 25-man squad, played the whole of a Spurs XI's 2-1 defeat against QPR this afternoon.

Woodgate was on the bench for last week's game at Blackburn and could get his first taste of first-team action this season on Saturday.