Tuesday 25 October 2016 07:47, UK
Tottenham's record signing Moussa Sissoko is set for a three-game ban after accepting a violent conduct charge from the FA.
Sissoko has been charged by the Football Association retrospectively after he was seen elbowing Bournemouth's Harry Arter in the face during a 0-0 draw at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino insists the elbow was not intentional but confirmed the club will accept the charge before Tuesday's 6pm deadline - just hours before their EFL Cup fourth round clash with Liverpool, live on Sky Sports.
"It is clear, and we accept the charge. Now we move forward and three games he is suspended," Pochettino said.
"After the game it was difficult, when you asked me about the action, to appreciate the situation. But when we saw on the TV, and I need to say that it wasn't the intention but the elbow was in the face of Arter.
"It is true it is a blow he is not available. We are in a period where we need all players fit. We have four difficult games ahead. He was a player that was in our plans to play tomorrow.
"Now we need to try to train with him and keep him fit, and try for him to be in our plans when he is available again."
Cherries midfielder Arter had hoped Sissoko would avoided a suspension after the France international apologised at the final whistle.
Arter said: "It looks like he elbowed me but he apologised and said it was an accident so that's good to me.
"After the game he apologised. I'm not one to hold grudges. He said sorry, he didn't mean it, so that's the end of it."
"I thought it was going to be a red card at the time. The ref said he didn't see it so it's down to him if he does want to take any action. From my point of view I am happy with his apology."
