Thomas Frank issues statement on Yves Bissouma's alleged laughing gas incident

A report over the weekend showed footage of Yves Bissouma allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide - widely known as laughing gas

Thomas Frank has confirmed Tottenham are dealing with Yves Bissouma’s latest disciplinary issue after he allegedly inhaled nitrous oxide for a second time in two seasons.

Bissouma has yet to feature under Spurs boss Frank after he was dropped before the Super Cup in August for repeated lateness and has been sidelined since, due to multiple fitness problems.

The Mali international underwent ankle surgery in October, but any hope of a lifeline in the future looks unlikely after a report in The Sun on Saturday showed footage of Bissouma allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide – widely known as laughing gas.

To compound matters for Bissouma, this is the second time he has been embroiled in a nitrous oxide controversy after he was handed a one-match ban at the start of the 2024-25 campaign for a “severe lack of judgement” when he was filmed inhaling laughing gas.

Nitrous oxide was made a Class C drug in 2023 as part of the UK government’s anti-social behaviour action plan and possession of it for recreational use is an offence.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s visit of Slavia Prague in the Champions League, Frank said: “It’s an internal matter that we are dealing with at the moment and when we have dealt with that, then I will comment on it.”

Bissouma was already sidelined and will be joined in the treatment room by full-back Destiny Udogie.

“Destiny picked up a hamstring injury in the end of the Newcastle game, so he’s out until January unfortunately,” Frank revealed.

A late call will be made on Brennan Johnson, while Frank also fielded questions on long-term absentees Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke on Monday.

Frank confirmed Kulusevski had been given permission to go abroad to continue his rehabilitation from a knee injury and even though Maddison was spotted at open training giving the Spurs head coach a hug, he is Nowhere near returning.

“It is very early stages, still a long-term injury,” Frank said of Maddison’s recovery from anterior cruciate ligament damage.

“Good to see him out there but very early stages and there is no specific time frame. It will be a long time unfortunately before he is available.”

Randal Kolo Muani trained on Monday to provide a boost for Spurs after he limped off during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Brentford.

After Tottenham ended a near-four-month wait for a Premier League home win, Frank is eager for them to build more momentum in N17.

Frank added: “It’s always good to build and get the momentum to get more consistent and good performances. We really try to build on that.”

Asked if his side could still finish in the top eight, Frank added: “I am more for me about this next game ahead of us.”