Yves Bissouma
TOT
Mali
Right
Aug 30, 1996
29
6'0"
176 lb
CM
--
Deep-Lying Playmaker
SpursWon't face Liverpool
Bissouma is out for Sunday's game against Liverpool, according to manager Igor Tudor. "Bissouma has muscular problems."
Analysis: Bissouma is the latest addition to the Spurs' lengthy injury report, and his absence will make things complicated for Tudor in midfield since Conor Gallagher (illness) is doubtful, while Rodrigo Bentancur (hamstring) and Joao Palhinha (head) are out. Archie Gray should slot in central midfield due to the lack of depth, and since the nature of the injury is uncertain, it's unclear if Bissouma will be ready to play against Atletico Madrid or Nottingham Forest next week before the international break.
Active defensively in Sunday's loss
Bissouma recorded four tackles (three won), four clearances and two interceptions in Sunday's 4-1 defeat against Arsenal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 86th minute.
Analysis: Bissouma made his fourth start of the season Sunday and completed the full 90 minutes for the first time. Although his side conceded four goals, Bissouma was very active on the defensive end of the pitch. He won six duels, made four clearances, won three tackles, intercepted two passes and blocked one shot. He was able to log all those stats in part because Arsenal dominated possession, but with how Spurs' season is going that could continue to be the case in many upcoming matches. Still, Bissouma and the rest of Spurs' midfield and defense need to drastically improve their performance in order to get the club out of the relegation battle.
Available for Tottenham
Bissouma is fit and an option for the club following his time at AFCON, according to manager Thomas Frank.
Analysis: Bissouma was off at AFCON with Mali and has returned to England after some time away, an option for play moving forward. However, the midfielder has yet to play this campaign, not seeing much time under Thomas Frank. If chosen for the squad, a bench option is likely.
Heading back to Spurs after duty
Bissouma (depression) played the full AFCON with Mali and is now heading back to Tottenham after being eliminated from the competition.
Analysis: Bissouma has been dealing with severe depression, having not played a single minute with Tottenham this season, but he was a regular figure for his country during the AFCON, competing hard in midfield before being sent off in the final game. It remains to be seen what role Bissouma will hold once back with the Spurs, since he does not appear to be in the plans of coach Thomas Frank, and his future remains blurry for the time being.
Dealing with severe depression
Bissouma has been called up by Mali for the AFCON starting Dec. 21 and ending Jan. 18, just days after being at the heart of a heated controversy following a video showing him consuming laughing gas. Bissouma explained to the media that the incident was the result of severe depression, according to Lassana Camara from PAF. "I am a strong person. A mentally and physically strong African man. But these incidents broke something in me that I didn't even know could be broken. I am truly sorry."
Analysis: Bissouma has yet to play his first minutes of the season for Tottenham after going through a difficult period, both on the pitch due to an ankle issue and off it because of behavioral issues under new coach Thomas Frank, as well as several personal problems. He was the victim of an assault in Cannes, a burglary at his London home, and a scam, during which he reportedly lost more than a million euros worth of watches, jewelry, and other valuables. Left deeply traumatized, he even stayed overnight at the club's training center out of fear of returning home. Bissouma gave an interview in which he spoke about fear, paranoia, insomnia, and a loss of confidence, while also apologizing to the fans and expressing hope that the AFCON can help him get back on track and properly launch his 2025/26 season.
No update on status
Bissouma (ankle) didn't have any status update ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash with Everton, per manager Thomas Frank. "It's all good from the guys who played on Sunday. Dominic - steps forward, it's step by step. Cuti is on the pitch, no timeframe, but on the pitch. Destiny is on the pitch as well, so, three steps forward."
Analysis: Bissouma suffered a serious ankle injury early in October and hasn't returned to any significant portion of training. There's no timeline for his return, but he's expected to be out until after the November international break. Bissouma has yet to make his debut under new manager Thomas Frank, so his absence doesn't change much in the starting XI.
Suffers serious ankle injury
Bissouma made his return from injury while on international duty with Mali but suffered a serious ankle injury just 15 seconds after entering the pitch, according to Jonny H from Last Word On Spurs.
Analysis: Bissouma has struggled in the first stretch of the season with both injuries and disciplinary issues that have kept him off the pitch until now. The midfielder made his return from injury while on international duty but lasted only 15 seconds before being stretchered off after suffering an apparent serious ankle injury following a tackle from a Madagascar player. Bissouma will likely be assessed in the coming days to determine the extent of the injury but his absence will not impact the starting XI for Spurs as he was expected to remain a bench option on rare occasions at best under coach Thomas Frank.
Started running outside
Bissouma (knee) was spotted running outside this week but remains out of the squad for the time being, coach Thomas Frank said in the press conference, according to Football London. "He has just started to run outside, so he is not part of the group but everything I've seen when I've said hello to him and every day with the players, he seems good. The coaches and I have been working with him on a couple of things. He's got so much energy that sometimes you need to say, pause, stop, don't run when we have the ball and find the higher, more dangerous positions."
Analysis: Bissouma is progressing well in his recovery from a knee issue but remains out of the squad for the time being as the coach and staff continue working with him to help him channel his energy on the pitch and adapt to the playing style of new coach Thomas Frank. That said, even if he returns to full fitness, Bissouma has fallen down the pecking order in the midfield and is unlikely to see many minutes with Spurs this season.
Not an option
Bissouma (undisclosed) is out for Tuesday's match against Villarreal.
Analysis: Bissouma is not an option for the club yet again, missing out on the start of UCL play due to his undisclosed injury. He has yet to play this season and hopes his absence isn't too much longer.
Remains out
Bissouma (undisclosed) is out for Saturday's match against Bournemouth, according to manager Thomas Frank. "He's out for the next game, I don't have a specific timeline for him, but I don't think it will be that long."
Analysis: Bissouma is still battling his injuries and is not yet an option, missing out for a third straight game. The good news is it appears he shouldn't be out too much longer, possibly returning after the international break. Even when he is fit, expect a bench option to begin.
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