Jose Mourinho’s previous comments suggest Moussa Sissoko may return as a winger

Tottenham Hotspur’s injury troubles received a boost yesterday, with the news that Moussa Sissoko is ahead of schedule in his return from a knee problem.

With Tanguy Ndombele not fancied by Jose Mourinho and Eric Dier moving into defence, the Frenchman’s presence would undoubtedly be a huge relief for Tottenham.

However, could it be that Mourinho has other plans for Sissoko upon his return. 

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

In December, not long before Sissoko picked up his injury, Mourinho made it clear where he thought Sissoko was best off operating. 

For him, the £30 million (BBC) midfielder was best off in a more attacking midfield role, as quoted by Football.London. 

“But honestly, I don’t think he’s a midfield player in a core position, No 6 or a double 6. I don’t think Moussa is that. But he played in that position last match because sometimes the needs of team are more important than the player.

“But I think best position for Moussa is when the team plays with a positional midfielder and he has freedom to go, or from the right like he did against Bournemouth with Serge [Aurier] coming from the wide side and Moussa more central.”

TBR’s View

Sissoko could certainly be a positive introduction to the Tottenham team in the more attacking midfield position. 

With Heung-min Son and Steven Bergwijn now set to miss the rest of the season, Tottenham are short on the wings. 

Sissoko could also be useful on the right-hand side, where Serge Aurier has continuously been found wanting defensively. Sissoko’s natural physicality and defensive attributes would make him a perfect shield for the inconsistent Ivorian. 

Regardless of where he plays, given Tottenham’s current injury crisis, any recovery from injured players will be welcomed with open arms.