Thomas Frank’s Tottenham face a crucial trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday as they desperately try to halt an alarming slide down the Premier League table.
Spurs are languishing in 13th place after a tumultuous season, winning just six of their opening 17 league games and losing five of their last eight in the top flight.
The game at Selhurst Park was an opportunity for Frank to regain his confidence after Saturday night’s 2-1 defeat at Liverpool. As a result, Frank has come under increasing pressure from supporters, who have only won two home league games all season.
The loss to Liverpool was particularly damaging for Tottenham, who were reduced to nine men after Xavi Simmons was red-carded in the first half and Cristian Romero in stoppage time, with the Argentine captain losing his cool when he suffered a seizure after winning a free-kick and was given a second yellow.
Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike scored for the visitors, with Richarlison’s late winner another setback for Spurs in an increasingly inconsistent and error-filled season under Frank.
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Spurs have a fight coming up.
Palace are a dangerous opponent for Tottenham, five places above them, and Oliver Glasner’s side have the speed and directness to counter-attack Spurs’ weak backline.
Franks will also be without several key players due to injury, with James Maddison, Destiny Udogi, Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski all out for extended periods, while the suspensions of Simmons and Romero further reduce options for the crucial festival period.
Another player who has been sidelined for most of the season but has yet to make a competitive appearance under Frank is Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma.
Spurs were open to making an offer for the 29-year-old in the summer, but he has been repeatedly penalized for disciplinary issues behind the scenes and there are reports that the Lilywhites have decided to sell him next year.
Bissouma’s contract expires in 2026, but Spurs have the option of extending it for another year, but before that, supporters and Franks will first hope he can contribute on the pitch at some point.
Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma could return from injury on Boxing Day
The former Brighton star, who played a key role in Spurs’ Europa League final win over Man Utd in May, was called up to represent Mali at AFCON despite injury.
According to Pierrot le Fut, Bissouma has been ruled out of this afternoon’s Group A opener against Zambia in Casablanca.
The national team captain is one of three key players unavailable for the Eagles, along with central defender Sikou Niakaté and experienced right-back Hamari Traore, leaving Mari coach Tom St. Fiyet with major selection concerns.
However, Bissouma has resumed full training and is thought to be close to a return.
PLF reported that Bissouma could play against Morocco on Boxing Day or, failing that, against Comoros three days later.
“In many major tournaments, there are players who start with injuries and become the most dangerous players (for their teams) in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals,” Mali coach Saint-Fier told reporters.
“Hakimi is also on the Moroccan national team and there is a reason for that, because he is one of the great players who is important. Yves (Bissouma) is my captain, he is an important person, he is the leader of the team. But we did not make this decision alone.”
“Our doctors are in contact with Tottenham’s medical staff. We are confident that Yves will be ready for the duration of the competition and we will be happy to have him with us when the games become more difficult.”
This could be good news for Spurs, as Bissouma could well be selected by Frank once the AFCON tournament concludes, giving them another option in the engine room.
However, due to his off-field antics, Frank hasn’t exactly made the best impression since joining, and it remains to be seen whether the tactician will trust his services.
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Sky commentators were unimpressed.
