Tottenham coach Thomas Frank explains Yves Bissouma and Destiny Udogie absence

Bissouma has not featured for Spurs under Frank after being dropped before the UEFA Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain in August for repeated lateness. 

The 29-year-old midfielder underwent ankle surgery in October, but his return plans were hit after footage published in Britain showed him allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.

If confirmed, this would be the second time Bissouma has faced action over the substance. At the start of the 2024-25 season, he was given a one-match ban for what Tottenham described as a "severe lack of judgement" after being filmed inhaling nitrous oxide.

Under English law, nitrous oxide became a Class C drug in 2023, and possession for recreational use has been a criminal offence since then.

Frank kept his comments short when asked about the situation. "It's an internal matter that we are dealing with at the moment, and when we have dealt with that, then I will comment on it," Frank said.

Tottenham are also facing a defensive setback with left-back Destiny Udogie ruled out until the new year. Frank confirmed that Udogie suffered a hamstring injury at the end of the 2-2 draw against Newcastle on 2 December.

"Destiny picked up a hamstring injury at the end of the Newcastle game, so he's out until January, unfortunately," Frank said.

There was more positive news on the fitness front, with Randal Kolo Muani, who is on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, returning to training. The France forward trained on Monday after limping off during Saturday's 2-0 win over Brentford.

That victory ended Tottenham's wait of almost four months for a Premier League home win and eased some of the pressure on Frank after a difficult run of results.

"It's always good to build and get the momentum to get more consistent and good performances," Frank said. "We really try to build on that."

Tottenham, who were 16th in the table, are preparing for their Champions League match at home to Slavia Prague on Tuesday. Frank refused to look too far ahead when asked about qualification.

"I am more about this next game ahead of us," he said.

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