Tottenham Hotspur have announced that Mali international midfielder Yves Bissouma will undergo surgery on Friday.
The 26-year-old fractured his left ankle and will now go under the knife.
Bissouma will spend time on the sidelines, but the timeframe has not been determined yet.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion star came on against Manchester City on Sunday in the 84th minute.
It is unclear whether he picked up the injury during the game or in training this week.
Spurs have already lost French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to a long-term injury.
The 36-year-old injured his knee ligament against Man City and could miss action for eight weeks.
The north London club will likely sign another goalie on a free transfer, with Ben Foster linked.
However, they are unlikely to be looking for another free-agent midfielder. Bissouma’s absence will undoubtedly be a massive blow.
He has featured in 25 games across all competitions this term, starting ten times.
Manager Antonio Conte does not have much quality and experienced options in midfield.
Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are the Italian’s first-choice pairing in midfield.
He will now have to rely on Pape Sarr as cover in the position. Oliver Skipp is also an option for Tottenham.
Spurs are fifth in the Premier League after 22 games. Brighton and Brentford are breathing down their necks as they eye Champions League qualifications.
They will have to maintain consistency to finish in the top four.
The last thing Tottenham need right now is losing players to injuries, and Conte will hope nobody joins the injured duo on the treatment table.
