As the Premier League season approaches its midpoint, an increasing number of players are on the brink of suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. According to league rules, any player who receives five yellow cards before their team’s 19th game will face a one-match suspension.
Tottenham Hotspur, already grappling with a series of injuries, including key players like Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Cristian Romero, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, must also contend with the looming risk of suspensions for several first-team players.
Micky van de Ven, currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, has accumulated four yellow cards. If he picks up another upon his return, which manager Ange Postecoglou has hinted could be in a few weeks, he would face an automatic one-game ban.
Rodrigo Bentancur finds himself in a similar predicament. The midfielder is already serving a lengthy seven-game suspension handed down by an independent regulatory commission for comments made during a media interview. He is expected to return for the Boxing Day fixture against Nottingham Forest, but a single additional booking upon his return would result in yet another suspension.
Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski and Yves Bissouma, both integral to Spurs’ campaign thus far, are two yellow cards away from suspension. With six league games scheduled before the end of the year, both players will need to tread carefully to avoid sitting out during this crucial period.
Tottenham face Bournemouth away on Thursday night, followed by a high-profile home clash against Chelsea on Sunday evening. Their remaining fixtures before Christmas include matches against Southampton and league leaders Liverpool, further emphasizing the need for caution as they navigate a congested winter schedule.