Tottenham Hotspur have endured a mixed start to life under new boss Thomas Frank, with a loss to Nottingham Forest punctuating back-to-back wins in North London.
Unfortunately, Tottenham’s campaign is set to be disrupted by the departures of two stars for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Midfield pair Yves Bissouma (Mali) and Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal) will join their international teammates in Morocco between December 21 and January 18.
Read on as we analyse how Tottenham can navigate their absence and avoid leaving themselves light in the centre of the park.
How do you replace a crucial cog like Sarr?
Influential central midfielder Sarr has been a mainstay in the engine room for Frank, and his absence will be felt deeply.
However, Spurs fans have been clamouring to see more of Archie Gray and this could be his opportunity to shine.
Gray and Lucas Bergvall could share the Sarr role, filling in while the ‘amazing’ ace chases glory with Senegal.
It is worth noting that Frank could decide he wants to dip into the transfer market for a solution.
The rumours around Tottenham’s interest in Atletico Madrid man Conor Gallagher refuse to go away, and Spurs could consider a six-month loan for his services.
Gallagher is a box-to-box pressing machine with Premier League experience. He would adeptly replace Sarr.
The Englishman is struggling for game time in Spain with Atletico Madrid, but could enjoy a new lease of life with Spurs.
Is the Bissouma gap worth filling?
Bissouma did not cover himself in glory last season, and disciplinary issues and injury setbacks have marked this term.
After getting dropped from the Super Cup squad for coming late to one too many team meetings, the 29-year-old has landed in more hot soup after being spotted using laughing gas, not for the first time.
The Tottenham midfielder has barely played this season, and Joao Palhinha is more than capable as a defensive anchor. Rodrigo Bentancur can also help fill the void.
Spurs do not necessarily need another body to make up for Bissouma’s absence, but signing a young defensive midfielder should be on the club’s itinerary next summer.
Bissouma should be shifted on for a young, hungry operator who can break up play and kick-start attacks.