Tottenham forward Mathys Tel has been forced to pull out of France's Under-21 squad after sustaining an injury during Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road.
Tel was substituted after receiving a strong tackle from Leeds defender Jayden Bogle. Replays showed Bogle's studs landing on Tel's left Achilles, although referee John Brooks did not issue any punishment. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the challenge for around four minutes but deemed it did not meet the threshold for serious foul play.
Protective boot and medical assessment
Tel left Elland Road with his left foot in a protective boot. Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi expressed concern in his post-match press conference.
"Bad injury, and now we have to make the medical check," De Zerbi said. "In the next days we will know what is the problem."
The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed on Monday that Tel will not join up with the France Under-21s, meaning he will miss matches against Italy and England.
Club to seek explanation over Bogle decision
A statement from the FFF read: "Having suffered an injury with his club Tottenham, Mathys Tel is forced to withdraw from the France Under-21 team training camp which began this Monday at the CNF Clairefontaine."
The length of Tel's absence remains unclear, with a further update expected during the international break or when De Zerbi addresses the media at the pre-Ipswich press conference later in the month. Standard Sport understands Spurs are set to submit a formal complaint about the decision not to send off Bogle, writing to refereeing body Pro Ref for an explanation.
