Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a huge blow ahead of this weekend’s mouth-watering showdown against Arsenal, according to London World.
Spurs are preparing to host their arch-rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday in a high-stakes showdown, with local pride on the line.
However, the Lilywhites won’t be able to call upon Yves Bissouma this weekend after he picked up a knock while on international duty.
The Mali international midfielder suffered the problem during his country’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Eswatini on Tuesday night.
Bissouma has returned to London to begin rehabilitation, and the Spurs medical team will assess his injury before the blockbuster clash against Arsenal.
His setback further limits Ange Postecoglou’s options, with the manager already sweating over the fitness of a number of his first-team stars.
Dominic Solanke, Richarlison and Micky van de Ven are already sidelined for the derby, and Bissouma’s injury only complicates things further for Postecoglou.
Tottenham went into the international break with a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United, and Postecoglou will demand an emphatic response from his struggling troops.
Spurs haven’t had the best start to the season. They were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Leicester City on opening day but responded by putting four past Everton on home turf.
After a listless performance against Newcastle, Tottenham need to muster yet another response, but it will be far from a cakewalk this time at home to Arsenal.
Tottenham have failed to win any of their last four games against Arsenal (D1, L3). They’ve also each of their last two home games against the Gunners and will be keen to avoid a third.
However, you have to go back to May 2022 for the last time Spurs got the better of their next-door neighbours, so a cracking game of football could be on the cards this weekend.
