Tottenham investigates Bissouma’s behavior after ‘laughing gas’ report

Thomas Frank said Tottenham are “dealing” with Yves Bissouma’s behavior after the Malian midfielder inhaled nitrous oxide for the second time in as many seasons.

Bissouma has not played under Tottenham manager Frank since being dropped for the UEFA Super Cup match with Paris Saint-Germain in August for repeated late arrivals.

The 29-year-old underwent ankle surgery in October but his hopes of being selected by Frank suffered a setback after a report in Britain’s Sun newspaper last weekend showed images of Bissouma allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide – commonly known as ‘laughing gas’.

If confirmed, this would be the second time Bissouma has been involved in such a scenario, after being handed a one-match suspension at the start of the 2024/2025 season for a “serious lack of judgement” when he was filmed inhaling nitrous oxide.

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Under English law, nitrous oxide was made a Class C drug in 2023 and it is a criminal offense to possess ‘laughing gas’ for recreational use.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League match at home to Slavia Prague, Frank said: «It is an internal matter that we are dealing with at the moment and if we have had to deal with it I will comment on it.»

Bissouma was already out of the Slavia game and Frank added that Tottenham left-back Destiny Udogie will be sidelined until the new year.

“Destiny suffered a hamstring injury at the end of the game against Newcastle (2-2 draw on December 2), so he is unfortunately out until January,” Frank said.

But French striker Randal Kolo Muani, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, trained on Monday after limping off during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Brentford.

The win over Brentford ended Tottenham’s almost four-month wait for a home win in the Premier League and eased some of the pressure on Frank after a disappointing run.

“It’s always good to build up and get the momentum to deliver more consistent and good performances,” said Frank. “We’re really trying to build on that.”

Frank declined to comment on 16th-place Tottenham’s chances of finishing in the top eight of the Champions League, which offers automatic qualification for the last 16.

“I’m more concerned with the next match ahead of us,” he said.

Published on December 8, 2025