Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major blow ahead of their decisive Europa League second leg against AZ Alkmaar, with Rodrigo Bentancur ruled out due to suspension.
The Uruguayan midfielder picked up a booking in the first leg, automatically ruling him out of the return fixture.
With Spurs trailing 1-0, manager Ange Postecoglou must reshuffle his midfield to compensate for Bentancur’s absence.
Bentancur’s absence gives Bissouma a chance to step up
One player who now has a golden opportunity to step up is Yves Bissouma.
The Malian international has endured an inconsistent season but could play a crucial role in Tottenham’s hopes of overturning the deficit.
Bissouma, under contract until 2026, has struggled for form and consistency, often finding himself substituted early or rotated out of the starting XI.
Reports suggest that Spurs may consider selling him in the summer to avoid the risk of losing him on a free transfer later.
Since arriving from Brighton in 2022 for £30 million, Bissouma has shown flashes of his ability to control the midfield, notably starting the 2023–24 season with Man of the Match performances against Brentford and Manchester United.
However, his overall impact has waned, with just two league goals in 33 appearances this campaign.
With Tottenham currently languishing in 13th place in the Premier League and already out of domestic cup competitions, winning the Europa League is their only shot at silverware this season.
Lifting the trophy would not only end the club’s 17-year title drought but also secure Champions League football for next season.
For Bissouma, this high-stakes clash is more than just an opportunity to help Spurs advance—it could also determine his future at the club.
A commanding performance against AZ Alkmaar might just convince Postecoglou and the Tottenham hierarchy that he still has a key role to play in their long-term plans.