Report: Spurs player couldn’t start vs Arsenal due to muscle fatigue

Michael Bridge has revealed (via Sky Sports Football Daily) that Yves Bissouma was suffering from muscle fatigue ahead of the North London derby. 

Bissouma got only 42 minutes of action during the international break after Mali’s clash against Zambia last week was called as a result of a heavy downpour  (Football.London).

Some Spurs fans would have been hoping to see the former Brighton get the nod to start against Arsenal after the impact he had when he came on in Tottenham’s 6-2 win over Leicester City a couple of weeks ago.

However, despite Dejan Kulusevski’s injury, Antonio Conte stuck with his preferred 3-4-3, with Richarlison and Son Heung-min starting either side of Harry Kane upfront.

By the time Bissouma came on to the pitch after 72 minutes, the game was essentially over a contest, with the Gunners 3-1 up and having a man advantage after Emerson Royal’s red card.

Bridge has now revealed that Conte’s decision to leave Bissouma out of the starting lineup against Arsenal might have been down to fitness concerns.

The journalist stated that the 25-year-old informed the Spurs boss after returning from the international break that he was suffering from muscle fatigue.

Spurs Web Opinion

Given that Bissouma did play the final 20 minutes against Arsenal, one would assume that he would be fit to start against Frankfurt on Tuesday. With Conte only having three forward options due to the injuries to Kulusevski and Moura, I would not be surprised if the Italian opts to start with a 3-5-2 in Germany.

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