Huge boost for Tottenham: Key first-team starter is back and could be in contention to play against Brighton

Mali’s exit from the African Cup of Nations is a positive development for Tottenham, as key midfielder Yves Bissouma is poised to return to the club.

Mali lost the quarter finals to Ivory Coast. The host nation made a stunning late comeback to advance to the semis.

They equalised in the 90th minute to take the game to extra time before scoring the winner in the last kick of the game to complete the turn around.

Mali’s exit means star midfielder Yves Bissouma will now return to the club.

Tottenham have really missed the duo of Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr in the midfield and their recent performances have shown that.

Bentancur is still a bit rusty and not back to his best form after returning from his long-term injury.

Sarr came back last week after Senegal were knocked out by Ivory Coast and he was integrated back into the team as he came on against Everton late in the game.

Bissouma will now also return but whether he is put straight into the team against Brighton or is given a week off remains to be seen.