Tottenham transfer target Youcef Atal to undergo knee surgery
by Tom ProcterSupposed Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Youcef Atal is set to have surgery to repair a meniscal injury in his knee (BBC Sport).
The Nice full-back will be out for ‘a long time’ after suffering the injury during the 4-1 win over Metz.
A Nice statement read: “Bad news for Youcef Atal and the Eagles. The diagnosis revealed a meniscal lesion in the right knee.
“He will be operated on soon and will unfortunately be out of action for a long time.”
It is a big blow for Patrick Vieira’s team, with Atal a key player.
The star had made 13 appearances this season and had been in great form for Les Aiglons.
News of the injury could now force Spurs to rethink their transfer plans, after they were linked earlier this year (Daily Star).
TBR’s view – Atal injury a big frustration for Spurs
Atal’s injury is obviously bad news for Nice, but it could also come as a frustration for Spurs who desperately need a new right-back.
Atal – who would apparently cost at least £34 million (Telegraph) – is a wonderful player who would undoubtedly improve Spurs on that right flank, but the club surely won’t be able to move for the 23-year-old now.
He is someone many Spurs fans have been clamouring for in recent weeks, but it looks like any move next month is now off the cards.
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