Tottenham are sweating over the fitness of Yves Bissouma after he was injured on international duty ahead of Sunday’s huge clash against Arsenal.
Several big names have already been ruled out of the first North London Derby of the season, with the Gunners facing a midfield injury crisis.
Captain Martin Odegaard and new signing Mikel Merino have been sidelined for several weeks while Declan Rice is suspended thanks to his controversial red card against Brighton.
As for Spurs, out of favour forward Richarlison is the only player who will definitely miss the derby, while Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke are in a race to be fit in time.
But Ange Postecoglou has now been dealt a fresh injury worry in the form of key defensive midfielder Bissouma.
The 28-year-old scored the winner for Mali in their World Cup qualifier against Eswatini on Tuesday but was forced off the pitch in the 65th minute after being on the receiving end of a nasty challenge.
Multiple reports say he suffered a knock and is now a doubt for the big Premier League clash.
Bissouma missed the opening game of the season against Leicester after being suspended by Spurs for uploading a video of himself on social media which showed him inhaling laughing gas.
But he remains a key player for Postecoglou, immediately returning to the staring XI for Spurs’ next game in which he scored the opener in a 4-0 win over Everton.
‘I want to apologise for these videos. This was a severe lack of judgement,’ Bissouma said regarding the laughing gas incident.
‘I understand how serious this is and the health risks involved, and I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously.’
With one win, one draw and one loss so far, Tottenham are 10th in the table but a win will move them level on points with Arsenal who sit fourth.
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