Tottenham hit with injury blow before Champions League semi-final

While Tottenham may have managed to book their spot in the semi-final of this year’s Champions League in the most dramatic of fashion last week, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been struck with some devastating injury news.

Spurs’ Argentinian boss has confirmed that midfielder Moussa Sissoko will miss their semi-final first leg against Ajax next week.

After picking up a groin injury in their quarter-final second-leg matchup against Manchester City five days ago, the Frenchman did not feature in Tottenham’s 1-0 loss at the Etihad on Saturday.

Sadly for Spurs fans, Pochettino has revealed that he expects to be without Sissoko for roughly two weeks.

Bad news for Tottenham as Moussa Sissoko is ruled out by Mauricio Pochettino for two weeks with his groin injury. Likely to miss first Ajax game. #THFC #COYS

— Jonathan Veal (@jonathandveal83) April 22, 2019

 

Moussa Sissoko sidelined for a fortnight

Although Sissoko did struggle to adjust to life in North London following his £30million move from St. James’ Park back in 2016, the energetic midfielder has been a standout performer for Spurs this season.

Making 27 Premier League appearances this year, many have the 55-cap France international to be the leading candidate to win Tottenham’s Player of the Year award.

Sissoko’s absence gives Pochettino a real headache at the heart of his midfield, particularly with Harry Winks on his way back from a groin problem.

Speaking to the media on Monday afternoon, Pochettino gave an injury update on his midfield duo.

“Moussa Sissoko is not going to be fit, maybe for the next two weeks, we hope he can recover before but I am not so optimistic.”

“Harry Winks, I don’t know, it’s a problem that one day is very good and one not so good. It’s about assessing every day. We will see, maybe he will be available Tuesday but I’m not sure.”

Unable to call upon the 29-year-old when Ajax make the trip to the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 30th, Pochettino will also be without attacking talisman Son Heung-min.

After getting booked at the Etihad last week, the South Korean international will be forced to serve a one-match suspension.

While Sissoko will undoubtedly be missed in their semi-final showdown next Tuesday, the former Newcastle man will also be sidelined in what could be a crucial time in Tottenham’s top four push.

With both Manchester United and Arsenal slipping up over the weekend, Spurs currently find themselves sat third in the table but holding just a one-point advantage over the chasing pack.

Before they host a resurgent Ajax in the Champions League next week, Tottenham face back to back top-flight encounters against Brighton and a London derby against West Ham.

Given Sissoko’s standout season at the heart of Spurs’ midfield, how much will Pochettino’s side miss the 29-year-old over the next two weeks?

Read More: Keep an eye on our tipster predictions for the upcoming Champions League fixtures including Tottenham’s semi-final with Ajax.

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