By OkayGoal 
Yves Bissouma has suffered another setback after picking up a fresh injury while on international duty with Mali. The Tottenham midfielder, who had only just regained fitness following a knee issue in August, was stretchered off during his country’s 4-1 win over Madagascar on Sunday. He had come on late in the match before sustaining an ankle injury that forced his early exit.
Bissouma has yet to feature for Spurs this season and was looking to use the international break to build match sharpness. However, images have since emerged of the 29-year-old on crutches with a protective brace on his right ankle, suggesting another extended period on the sidelines could be ahead.
Yves Bissouma sends defiant message after injury blow
In a statement posted on Instagram, Yves Bissouma remained upbeat, expressing pride in representing his country and vowing to come back stronger. “Zero regrets,” he wrote. “Every challenge is a lesson, every fall a reminder of my faith and my strength. This is not the end, just the beginning of a new chapter.”
While the full extent of the injury is still unknown, the tone of Bissouma’s message suggests it may be significant. Tottenham have yet to issue an official update on his condition.
Tottenham midfield pecking order shifts under Frank
Bissouma’s role under new manager Thomas Frank was already under scrutiny prior to the injury. The midfielder had been left out of the UEFA Super Cup final squad against Paris Saint-Germain and was reportedly close to leaving the club in the summer. A previous knee injury scuppered those exit plans, and disciplinary concerns have only added to uncertainty around his future.
With Joao Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr thriving in midfield, Bissouma’s path back into the side looks increasingly narrow. Frank is known for his strict squad standards, and another injury may further limit the Mali international’s chances to revive his Spurs career.
Injury history continues to derail Bissouma
Since joining Tottenham, Bissouma has shown flashes of quality, notably under Ange Postecoglou during the 2024 Europa League-winning campaign. Yet fitness issues have persisted. This latest blow adds to a pattern of untimely setbacks that have stalled his momentum at crucial points.
With no return timeline confirmed and Tottenham’s midfield depth growing, Bissouma faces an uphill battle to reclaim a place in the squad or even extend his future in North London.