Tottenham have penciled in a date for Gareth Bale's playing return.

The Telegraph says Bale could make his second Tottenham debut against West Ham as the Wales international eyes an October 18 return.

Spurs recently signed Bale on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid worth £20million.

The Welshman was carrying an injury, which he suffered during the international break, and which was detected during his medical, when he signed on the dotted line for Spurs.

But Tottenham decided to bring him back to north London anyway, and Bale has been recovering behind the scenes at Spurs ever since.

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho gave a vague update on Bale's fitness last month.

"I don't know when Gareth can be back," said Mourinho. "The only thing that I know is that the motivation is high, he is so happy to be with a club of his heart.

"When a player has this motivation, many times you can shorten the period of recovering and getting fit."