Yves Bissouma is probably unavailable for Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League debut against Southampton this weekend.
What’s new these days?
The £25 million summer acquisition became questionable for Saturday after suffering a hamstring injury in their last preseason matchup against AS Roma last week.
In his pre-game news conference on Thursday, Lilywhites manager Antontio Conte did not rule him out of contention but stated that he would need to assess his fitness before making a final decision.
Football london has now reported that the former Brighton midfielder missed first-team practise in preparation for tomorrow’s much anticipated match.
Another devastating setback for Conte
Although Bissouma may have been training apart from the main group, it appears doubtful that the Mali international will play given that manager Antonio Conte is rumoured to have been doing ten-man passing drills with a possible starting XI on display.
More Tottenham latest news: Getting closer: Romano claims Tottenham hope to finalise extraordinary signing next week
More TOTTENHAM latest news: Spurs nearing deal to sign defender who’s been outscoring some perfect strikers in Europe
When the Saints visit north London, the Italian head coach will be devastated not to have his new addition available since he will be hoping to start the season strong.
As a result of fellow midfielder Oliver Skipp’s “freak” and “gruesome” injury sustained during practise last week, he was already without Skipp’s services, and now he has suffered yet another harsh blow by being without yet another crucial player.
In the Premier League last season, Bissouma outperformed all of Conte’s existing midfield alternatives in terms of tackles (2.9 per game) and interceptions, earning the nickname “beautiful talent” from his former Seagulls manager Chris Hughton (1.9 per game).
The 25-year-old would have been a lock to start this weekend’s league opener based solely on that evidence, but considering his absence from a vital training session, it appears that Conte has been dealt yet another blow before kickoff.
The Italian will be devastated if Bissouma isn’t playing this weekend.
You must log in to post a comment.