Under the country’s rules, the pair would have to spend seven days in complete isolation at the team hotel in Seoul, excluding even light training, and fly home separately on Tuesday after the rest of the squad return on Sunday.
Bissouma, Brighton’s £25million signing, and Forster who was transferred free of charge from Southampton, both tested positive in the mandatory PCR tests to be done 72 hours after arriving in South Korea and missed yesterday’s friendly win over a K League XI .
The loss of the pair will frustrate the head coach Antonio Conteawho has said it is important to sign early this summer so he can educate his entire team on his fitness and tactical requirements.
Tottenham vs K-League XI, friendly for the season | July 13, 2022
Ivan Perisic also missed yesterday’s 6-3 win at the World Cup Stadium as he recovers from a calf injury, but Richarlison played for over an hour on debut, scoring goals from Eric Dier and two apiece from star attractions Heung-min Son and Harry. Kane an entertaining win.
Conte said of Richarlison: “The first half he played like a number nine and the second half he played on the right, behind the striker. I think he can play in all three positions. I think he is physically strong and has a good personality , good character, good quality. He is definitely a player who gives me important options up front.”