Thomas Frank releases a statement regarding the alleged nitrous oxide incident involving Yves Bissouma.
- Thomas Frank has acknowledged that Tottenham are handling a new disciplinary problem involving Yves Bissouma after allegations surfaced that the midfielder used nitrous oxide again, marking the second such incident in two seasons.Bissouma has yet to play under Frank, having been dropped before August’s Super Cup due to persistent lateness, and his involvement has been further hindered by repeated fitness issues. The Mali midfielder underwent ankle surgery in October, but hopes of forcing his way back into the squad appear slim after The Sun released footage on Saturday reportedly showing him inhaling laughing gas. It follows a previous episode at the start of the 2024–25 season when he received a one-game suspension for being caught doing the same thing. Since 2023, nitrous oxide has been classified as a Class C drug in the UK, making recreational possession illegal.
Speaking before Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Slavia Prague, Frank said: “It’s an internal matter we’re dealing with, and once that process is complete, I’ll speak on it.”
Bissouma remains out injured and will now be joined by Destiny Udogie, who has suffered a hamstring issue and is expected to be unavailable until January.A decision on Brennan Johnson will be made closer to the match, while Frank also provided updates on long-term absentees Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke. Kulusevski has been allowed to continue his knee rehabilitation abroad, and although Maddison briefly appeared at open training to greet the manager, he is still far from returning after ACL damage.
“It’s still very early in his recovery, with no set timeline,” Frank explained. “It will be a long while before he’s back.”
There was some good news, with Randal Kolo Muani taking part in Monday’s training session after being forced off during the 2–0 win over Brentford.
Following Tottenham’s first Premier League home victory in nearly four months, Frank stressed the importance of maintaining momentum.
“It’s always good to build consistency and strong performances,” he said. “We’re really trying to push on from here.”
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