Mali coach reveals reason for snubbing Bissouma for Nigeria friendly; Spurs star unfollows FMF on Instagram

Mali national team coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision not to invite Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma for the international friendlies against Mauritania and Nigeria.

It was speculated that the Ivorian-born player was carrying an injury, but those rumours were dispelled a day after Mali's squad announcement, with Ange Postecoglou naming the number 8 in his starting lineup for the London derby at Fulham.

Apart from Bissouma, eleven other members of the Eagles' 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad were not summoned for the friendly against Nigeria,

After the Africa Cup of Nations, allegations surfaced on social media regarding his lack of dedication while donning the Mali jersey and some fans advocated for his exclusion from future squads. 

Clearing the air, Eric Chelle sensationally claimed that other midfielders are enjoying a better run of form than Bissouma, one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, but stressed that the door remains open for him to add to his international caps in the future.

Speaking at a press conference this week, Chelle said: "Like many players, he deserves to be selected, it's just a choice.

"In my diamond, there are players right now who are slightly safer. That doesn’t mean he won’t be called again.” 

Bissouma has unfollowed the Fédération Malienne de Football (FMF) on Instagram and and has also deleted all pictures of himself wearing the Mali jersey from his personal account.

The 27-year-old played in four of the five games contested by Mali at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit: tottenhamhotspur.com

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