/https://sportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net/uploads/2025/07/imago1054418613-1-1-686a32008bf86369744799.jpg "Pictured: Spurs receive second injury boost as 29-year-old - Sports Mole")
Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a second injury boost after Randal Kolo Muani played 45 minutes of a friendly against Watford on Friday.
The Lilywhites revealed yesterday that Paris Saint-Germain loanee Kolo Muani had taken part in a behind-closed-doors game against the Hornets as he stepped up his recovery from a troublesome thigh injury.
Kolo Muani has not played for Spurs since their opening Champions League victory over Villarreal in mid-September, but the Frenchman is seemingly on track to be fit for their first game back against Aston Villa on October 19.
As well as having Kolo Muani back in their ranks, Spurs' midfield options could be strengthened by the return of Yves Bissouma, who is yet to play a single game for Thomas Frank's side this season.
The 29-year-old missed Tottenham's Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain for disciplinary reasons, and he has since been nursing a knee injury, which has prevented him from getting into Frank's good books.
Yves Bissouma pictured in training as Spurs receive injury boost
Nevertheless, Bissouma was called up to the Mali squad for the October international break, suggesting that the midfielder was on the cusp of a return to competitive action.
Bissouma did not make the matchday squad for his nation's 2-0 win over Chad on Wednesday, but the 29-year-old has now been pictured with the ball at his feet in training alongside his international teammates.
Mali take on Madagascar in their second World Cup 2026 Qualifying fixture of the month on Sunday, and there is ostensibly a chance that Bissouma will be available for selection for their final game in Group I.
However, the clash is an inconsequential one for Mali, who have already been eliminated from contention as they sit in third place in the section, four points behind second-placed Madagascar and seven adrift of group leaders Ghana.
Spurs may therefore wish to see Bissouma spared for the meaningless game, thus guaranteeing his availability for their upcoming clashes with Villa in the Premier League and Monaco in the Champions League.
Does Yves Bissouma have a future at Tottenham?
Bissouma remained in North London over the summer despite persistent talk of a move to Serie A or the Turkish Super Lig, but his long-term future surely lies away from the Europa League winners.
The midfielder is now in the final 12 months of his contract with no extension in sight, meaning that he will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January onwards ahead of a likely free transfer in the summer.
Bissouma was a stalwart of the 2023-24 Spurs side under Ange Postecoglou, but he slipped down the pecking order last term, and the presence of Joao Palhinha means that he has not been missed in 2025-26.
As Spurs are expected to sign Bayern Munich-owned Palhinha on a permanent deal next year, Bissouma will continue to be surplus to requirements at Tottenham, who will likely lose their £25.4m investment for nothing in 2026.
Bissouma has made a century of appearances for Tottenham since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022, but he has only managed two goals and zero assists for the club.