With the North London derby on the horizon, Tottenham will need their strongest possible squad available to take on the Gunners, but one key player may be out of action after picking up an injury on international duty.
Worrying wait for Bissouma fitness check
It has been an unusual season so far for Yves Bissouma. The midfielder started the campaign by getting himself suspended by the club, after a post on social media showed him using laughing gas.
He then returned to the Spurs lineup for the second game of the season, and immediately repaid Ange Postecoglou‘s faith by scoring a stunner against Everton, his first competitive goal for the Lilywhites.
More recently, he’s been in great form for his country in this recent international break, scoring in both of Mali’s African Cup of Nations qualifier games.
But, the last game, a 1-0 win over Eswatini, was a bittersweet one for Bissouma. After scoring the winning goal early on, the Spurs man was forced off with an injury in the second half after an opponent stamped on his foot.
Discussing the status of Bissouma on social media, Premier Injuries founder Ben Dinnery said: “Yves Bissouma will be assessed ahead of the north London derby after picking up a heavy knock during the win over Eswatini, which saw the midfielder limp off on the hour mark.”
What will Ange do?
If Bissouma is unavailable for the North London derby on Sunday, Postecoglou will still have plenty of options to choose from in the middle of the park.
Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr offer experience in big games, while new boys Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall could be given their first start for the club.
Spurs Web Opinion
I would imagine Bissouma is more in discomfort than having any particularly serious injury as a result of the incident this week.
He may not be in prime condition for the game on Sunday, so it’s whether Postecoglou decides to take that risk or not.