Everton Vs Tottenham Hotspur: Jose Mourinho Explains Gareth Bale's Absence, Admits Surprise

With Gareth Bale not featuring nearly as much as many expected since his loan return to Tottenham Hotspur, Jose Mourinho has revealed why the club's top earner missed their enthralling 5-4 loss to Everton in the FA Cup on Wednesday night.

The Welshman was not among the substitutes as the Lilywhites were defeated 5-4 after extra-time at Goodison Park by Carlo Ancelotti's Toffees. He was named on the bench for Spurs' 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League last weekend, but did not make his way on to the field.

Following their loss on Wednesday night, Mourinho admitted he was "surprised" by the Real Madrid loanee wanting to have a particular muscle scanned this week, saying he would not describe the 31-year-old's discomfort as an injury.

"Well, I think it's better for me to say. So, we played against West Bromwich on the Sunday and he didn't play," he said, according to the Daily Mirror.

"On Monday, I was a little bit surprised by him wanting to have a scan because he was not comfortable with some muscular area.

Do you want to know where Bale ranks among Spurs' best-paid players? See below! 

1. Gareth Bale – £300 000 a week

10. Moussa Sissoko – £80 000 a week

9. Lucas Moura – £80 000 a week

8. Erik Lamela – £80 000 a week

7. Hugo Lloris – £100 000 a week

6. Dele Alli – £100 000 a week

5. Son Hueng-min – £140 000 a week

4. Toby Alderweireld – £150 000 a week

3. Tanguy Ndombele – £200 000 a week

2. Harry Kane – £200 000 a week

"So, he didn't train on Monday and then on Tuesday he trained with the team, but I was informed that his desire would be to work with the sports science for a couple of days to strengthen that area where he's not feeling comfortable. That's the reason why he's not here.

"I don't think it is an obvious, clear injury. I would say he feels uncomfortable and because of that the training session he couldn't be 100%, but I don't think we can speak about an injury."

Mourinho was then asked if he would have liked to select Bale for the match against Everton despite his discomfort, a question he did not seem too pleased to field.

"Sorry, this is Everton match press conference and Gareth was not here, and the only thing I can say about Gareth was the question that I was asked and I wanted to make it very clear the situation which I'm being completely open and honest about," he added.

Bale has played just 15 times for the London club so far this season, scoring four goals.