Tottenham Hotspur can add another name to their extensive injury list, with Mathys Tel now withdrawing from France’s U21 squad.
L’Equipe report that the Tottenham striker, who linked up with the U21s on Tuesday, has now withdrawn from the squad due to a thigh injury. Rayan Fofana has replaced him in the squad.
Tel tried to continue
According to the newspaper, Tel ‘did everything’ to be with the French squad despite the injury. He picked up the knock in Tottenham’s loss to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
That injury forced Tell off in the 67th minute. He was seen holding his groin before being replaced by Randal Kolo Muani.
Tuesday training leads to decision
He then joined up with France’s U21s on Monday, and the 20-year-old was still there on Tuesday morning.
That saw him working with a small group, including Manchester United’s Leny Yoro, doing running exercises. It was light training, with the idea to ease the Spurs attackers into the group.
However, France decided after the morning session that the Tottenham forward could not continue. He has now officially withdrawn and been replaced by Rayan Fofana.
That would suggest, the morning session threw up a more serious issue than was expected.
Frustrating timing
The injury comes at a frustrating time for Mathys Tel, who has been described as one of the bright sparks in an increasingly difficult period for Tottenham.
He also recorded his best performance of the season in the 3-2 win over Atletico Madri, providing an assist in that game in a strong attacking display.
Now he joins Tottenham’s extensive injury list.
Tottenham’s growing injury list
The Tottenham Hotspur injury list includes Guglielmo Vicario, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Wilson Odobert. Joao Palhinha and Cristian Romero have also been in concussion protocols.
The hope is that the three-week international break will allow some of those to return. Kudus and Bentancur have already been scheduled to return for the clash with Sunderland on April 12th.
Tel, will, presumably, undergo further tests this week before determining the length of his absence. Worst case scenario for Tottenham is that more issues are thrown up during the break, but given how many are unavailable for international duty that is somewhat limited.