‘A little bit premature’ – Ryan Mason on return of player who underwent surgery earlier this year

Ryan Mason has provided a team news update to journalists who have attended Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-Aston Villa press conference from Hotspur Way this afternoon.

The 31-year-old continues to face the media in his role as interim head coach with the former midfielder having already taken charge for the draw for the matches against Manchester United, Liverpool and Crystal Palace.

Having secured his first three points of his second temporary stint in charge against Palace last time out, Mason will be keen to secure another victory at Villa Park in what is turning out to be a battle for European qualification.

Hugo Lloris has already been ruled out for the remaining three matches of the campaign following a muscular injury sustained at Newcastle, however, there was a surprising boost last weekend with the return of Emerson Royal to the starting eleven and Yves Bissouma was fit enough to take his place on the bench.

Such is the protocol, the media are informed of the availability of the Spurs squad ahead of the clash against Unai Emery’s side.

Mason was asked about Bissouma ahead of the trip to Villa Park and admitted that it might have been a little too early to recall the former Brighton midfielder.

He told Football.London: “It was probably a little bit premature, but we value him and felt it was good for him to be part of the group.”

Bissouma has made 25 appearances for Tottenham since a big-money move from Brighton in the summer, but made only eight starts and was forced to undergo ankle surgery in February which halted his season until his appearance on the bench last weekend.

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