Tottenham face up to two months without ‘one of the best’ after Yves Bissouma red card v Nottingham Forest
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou faces yet another selection headache after Yves Bissouma was sent off during the club’s 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Friday 15 December.
Just when it seemed like the Australian was getting his squad back together again, a reckless moment from the Mali international has left yet another gap in Spurs’ midfield.
James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur remain sidelined, and with Bissouma now suspended for four games after picking up his second red card of the season, Tottenham once again look slightly light in the midfield department.
Bissouma is set to compete at the African Cup of Nations with Mali following the conclusion of his four-match suspension, which means he is likely to not feature for the club again until February. This means any creative solution Postecoglou thinks of for his midfield dilemma will need to be a relatively long-term one.
Since his first sending-off of the season against Luton Town on 7 October, Bissouma had struggled to hit the heights he had during the early stages of the season, up until Spurs’ recent 4-1 victory over Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 10 December.
During the clash with the Magpies, the 27-year-old made eight tackles and won 10 ground duels while completing 82 per cent of his passes.
Before his dismissal against Steve Cooper’s side at The City Ground, he was once again continuing in that bright vein of form, winning 80 per cent of his ground duels, making three tackles and completing 83 per cent of his passes throughout his time on the pitch (Sofascore).
However, a moment of madness in the 70th minute with his side two to the good saw him receive his marching orders for a late challenge on Ryan Yates.
This will be incredibly frustrating for Postecoglou and Spurs’ supporters as it looked as if the former Brighton man was finally returning to his best at a time when he was needed most, with Sky Sports pundit Jay Bothroyd highlighting just how influential the midfielder can be.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News (18 December) Bothroyd told The Football Show, “Bissouma wasn’t playing last season, now that he has stepped into the team he looks like one of the best midfielders in the world. He is getting on the ball, he drives forward with it, and he plays little reverses passes.
“I think he has been so good for Tottenham.”
As good as he has been, he will not be available for selection over the coming months, and Postecoglou will need to find a solution and find one fast if the club are to cope without “one of the best” around.
In other Tottenham news, a Spurs expert has praised the mindset of two ‘hungry’ Under-21 stars at the club after their recent decision.