Disheartening – Tottenham midfielder has just been subbed off after picking dangerous injury ahead of Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur faces a significant setback ahead of their North London derby against Arsenal on Sunday as midfielder Yves Bissouma sustained an injury during international duty.

The Mali international, who scored the opening goal in his team’s match against Eswatini, had to be taken off after 65 minutes following a heavy tackle.

This development has left Tottenham anxiously awaiting updates on his fitness before the crucial Premier League clash this weekend.

Bissouma has become a vital player under Ange Postecoglou since the Australian took over as manager at Tottenham.

Despite his consistent performance, he was sidelined earlier this season after being filmed inhaling nitrous oxide from balloons, leading to a suspension by the club for one game.

Postecoglou acknowledged the need for Bissouma to rebuild trust with the staff and his teammates following the incident.

Tottenham’s season has seen a mix of results. They began with a 1-1 draw against newly-promoted Leicester City, followed by an impressive 4-0 victory over Everton, but suffered a disappointing loss on the road against Newcastle United.

The upcoming match against Arsenal is highly anticipated, as fans are eager for a victory that could derail Arsenal’s title ambitions while boosting Tottenham’s pursuit of a top-four finish after narrowly missing out last season with a fifth-place finish.

The potential absence of Bissouma could be a major blow for Tottenham, especially against a formidable Arsenal side.

Bissouma has started two of Tottenham’s three Premier League games this season, playing a key role in the midfield alongside Pape Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur.

With Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard also facing injury concerns after being pictured on crutches during international duty, both teams might be without crucial players for this intense derby.

Bissouma’s influence on the pitch has been undeniable, with his energy and ball control earning him praise as a “ridiculous” talent in midfield.

His potential absence could force Tottenham to rely on other midfield options such as Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, but replacing Bissouma’s impact will be a tough task.

Here are some of Bissouma’s stats from his match against Everton in the 2024/25 season:

Bissouma’s stats highlight his importance to Tottenham’s midfield, particularly in terms of ball retention and distribution, as well as his defensive contributions.

His ability to make key passes and maintain possession under pressure has been instrumental in Tottenham’s gameplay. Losing him for the Arsenal match would require a significant tactical adjustment from Postecoglou.

As the derby approaches, Tottenham will be hoping for a positive update on Bissouma’s condition. His availability could be the difference between a strong performance against their rivals and a potential struggle in midfield.

Spurs’ ambitions for a successful season could hinge on their ability to manage these critical moments, starting with the outcome of Sunday’s clash against Arsenal.

Yves Bissouma’s presence has already been a game-changer for Tottenham, and his absence could be deeply felt if he is unable to recover in time.

The North London derby is always a fiercely contested match, and Tottenham will need every advantage they can muster to secure a victory and continue their push for a top-four finish.

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