Thomas Frank to watch closely as Tottenham player in line for first appearance in two months
Thomas Frank is having a tough time at Tottenham and is coming under increasing pressure for his side’s poor performances.
Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by Liverpool on Saturday evening, and have now dropped down to 14th in the Premier League.
Both Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero were sent off for Spurs, adding yet more problems to Frank’s ever-growing list.
The Dane has received some positive news of sorts over the past 24 hours, however, with one Tottenham player set to make a return to action away from North London.
Yves Bissouma could return to action with Mali on Boxing Day
Bissouma’s future at Tottenham is in significant doubt after footage emerged of him inhaling nitrous oxide.
This is the second time the 29-year-old has been caught taking ‘laughing gas’, after being suspended by Spurs in August 2024 for the offence.
Even before his off-field antics, Bissouma looked set to leave Tottenham anyway, as he is firmly out of favour under Frank.
The former Brighton man has not played a single minute for the North London side this season, due to fitness issues and selection decisions.
Bissouma’s only appearance of the campaign came as a substitute for Mali back in October, but he lasted just seven minutes before being stretchered off with a knee injury.
Despite his lack of game time, the Spurs midfielder was called up for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but didn’t feature in Mali’s opening fixture, a 1-1 draw with Zambia on Monday evening.
However, according to Mali manager Tom Saintfiet, Bissouma could return for the second game of the tournament, against Morocco on 26 December.
Speaking to Canal+Sport Afrique, Saintfiet said: “Yves Bissouma can be on the bench (against Morocco) but it’s not certain”
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Yves Bissouma must prove he’s back to his best
Bissouma was an important player for Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou last season, both offensively and defensively.
In the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, according to FBRef, the Mali international made 2.56 clearances and completed 1.98 tackles per 90, putting him in the top 20 per cent of midfielders in the top-flight.
Bissouma was also crucial on the ball, impressing with his total carry distance and overall pass accuracy, as well as chipping in with two goals.
Crucially, he averaged 1.98 tackles won per 90 and also carried the ball an average of 210 metres, which are qualities Spurs could do with right now.
| Stats (Premier League 24-25) | Yves Bissouma |
| Goals | 2 |
| Clearances (Per 90) | 2.56 |
| Tackles Won (Per 90) | 1.98 |
| Carry Distance (Per 90) | 210 metres |
| Pass Accuracy | 88.6% |
Frank will be watching Bissouma’s performances at AFCON and will be willing him to recover some of his form from last season.
Even if Bissouma isn’t part of Frank’s future plans at Tottenham, a good tournament will help raise his value ahead of the January transfer window and allow the club to offload him at a reasonable price.
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