Bad luck called Yves Bissouma – injured 10 seconds after coming on

Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma endured a nightmare return to action, leaving the pitch on a stretcher just nine seconds after coming on for his first appearance of the season.

The 29-year-old, who had been sidelined from Spurs’ squad due to repeated lateness during pre-season, was hoping to turn a new page while representing Mali in their 4-1 World Cup qualifying win over Madagascar.

Introduced in the 67th minute with Mali cruising at 3–0, Bissouma immediately won possession and looked to spark a counter-attack — only to be brought down by a brutal tackle moments later. He clutched his left ankle in visible pain and, despite trying to walk off under his own power, had to be carried away on a stretcher.

The incident represents another cruel twist for the midfielder, who has already endured serious ankle problems. During the 2022–23 campaign, he missed 17 matches through injury, and there are fears this latest setback could sideline him once again — though no diagnosis has yet been confirmed.

Bissouma, left out of Tottenham’s UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and omitted from their Champions League squad, had previously been a key figure since his 25 million pounds switch from Brighton. He even started in Spurs’ Europa League final triumph over Manchester United in May.

If he’s to regain a place under Thomas Frank, however, Bissouma will have to prove both his fitness and his commitment once he returns to full health.