Tottenham Hotspur could be without three key players for at least half of the season due to international commitments.
The Asian games and AFCON, which kicks off in January, means Spurs could be without the three-time African Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners.
London World has reported that Bissouma could be out for six weeks, while Sarr could be out for up to eight weeks depending on how Mali and Senegal fare in the tournament.
Heung-min Son, meanwhile, will be travelling to Qatar with Jurgen klinsmann’s Taegeuk warriors from mid-January until the first week of February, with Spurs scheduled to play against Manchester United (twice), Brentford (twice), Everton (twice) and Brighton (twice).
This will be a huge challenge for Spurs, who are unbeaten in the league so far this season. They have won six games and drawn two.
Ange Postecoglou won manager of the month twice in a row, and Son won player of the month in September after Maddison did so the previous month.
Tottenham’s season has had a fairytale start, but their squad is not the biggest, and losing three players who have been so important to Spurs could hurt their season.
If Spurs want to continue competing for a spot in the top 4, and possibly even the league if they are still in it by then, they may need to plan ahead and bring in some reinforcements in January.
Ange Postecoglou handed ‘nightmare’ situation with three Tottenham stars set to be out after break
Spurs set to lose influential trio for Asian Cup and African Cup of Nations in January
Having just won his second Premier League manager of the month award, Spurs’ manager will be facing three first-team players who will be away for various competitions in January.
Spurs have had an incredible start to the season in the Premier League, with a string of late-minute wins and hard-fought draws helping them to the top of the table.
The loss of Harry Kane has had little effect on the team, and injuries to established players such as Ivan Parisic, Manolo Gabbiroli and new signing Brennan Johnson have had little effect.
However, the African Cup of Nations, which kicks off in January, will mean that the trio will be away for a minimum of six weeks if their respective countries make it to the final.
From January 12, 2024, through February 10, 2024, captain Son Heung-min will be on a trip to Qatar with Jurgen Klinsmann’s Taegeuk Warriors, during which time Spurs has four games already booked against Manchester United, Brentford, Everton, and Brighton.
Losing players to injuries is one thing, but losing your team’s captain and two of your most important midfielders will test your team’s resolve during what has otherwise been the best campaign start.
Although it is anticipated that the Lilywhites will enter the January market in an effort to bolster their roster’s quality, it is unclear how far the board will go to support Postecoglou, who has undeniably improved the club’s image.
