Gareth Bale suffering from illness

Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale has missed this afternoon's clash with Manchester United because of a virus.

Initial reports suggested that the Welsh international had not been named in the starting lineup because of a hamstring injury that could keep him out for a number of weeks.

However, Spurs have denied those stories, insisting that the 22-year-old was taken ill last night.

Bale joined Spurs in 2007 from Championship side Southampton.