Tottenham decline to appeal Sissoko elbow charge

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR have accepted the Football Association’s violent conduct charge against Moussa Sissoko and expect the France midfielder to receive a three-match ban.

Sissoko has been charged by the FA for his off-the-ball elbow of Bournemouth’s Harry Arter that was missed by officials in Saturday’s goalless Premier League draw at the Vitality Stadium.

The £30m summer signing from Newcastle should now be banned for tonight’s EFL Cup tie at Liverpool and Premier League matches against Leicester and bitter rivals Arsenal.

Spurs had until six o’clock last night to respond, but manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed the club would not contest the charge – and refused to criticise the 27-year-old.

“We accept that. We have reviewed the video. We accept the charge and now we move forward,” said the Argentinian, whose side visit Liverpool in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.

“After the game it was difficult when I was asked about the action. But when I saw it on TV I need to say there was no intention but the elbow was in the face of Arter, that’s clear. We accept the charge, and now we need to move forward, and expect a three-match ban.”

Pochettino admitted Sissoko’s anticipated three-match absence will prove damaging during a hectic fixture run for Tottenham. Asked if the impending ban is a blow, Pochettino said: “That is true, because we are in a period that we need all the squad, all the players fit to compete. We have a big four games, Liverpool, Leicester, Leverkusen and Arsenal. He’s a player that was in our plans to play tomorrow, and now we need to change a little bit.” Pochettino also confirmed he would rest Hugo Lloris for the EFL Cup match at Liverpool, insisting players such as the France goalkeeper are not “machines”.

“We’ll play Michel Vorm,” said Pochettino. “Hugo is not a machine, he’s one of the best, but he’s not a machine. It is a very good opportunity for Michel, he deserves to play.”

Liverpool will also rotate their goalkeeper. Simon Mignolet returns for Tottenham’s visit but Jurgen Klopp has made it clear the Belgian goalkeeper is now second choice.