Tottenham hit with huge Mathys Tel injury blow as Leeds 'escape red card'

Spurs forward caught on the Achilles by Jayden Bogle who did not receive a card for the foul

Tottenham will be sweating over the fitness of Mathys Tel during the international break after the forward was forced off against Leeds on Saturday.

In a potentially significant injury blow, the French forward was substituted before half-time after a heavy challenge from Jayden Bogle, who landed his studs on the the Spurs man’s left Achilles.

Tel initially tried to continue before signalling to the Spurs bench that he could not play on, and he was replaced by Dominic Solanke in the 43rd minute.

Bogle was not booked by the referee, John Brooks, and while VAR reviewed the challenge, they did not deem it to meet the threshold for serious foul play.

In a feisty opening 45, Bogle escaped a booking, much to the frustration of Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi, who remonstrated with fourth official Josh Smith on the touchline.

Mateus Fernandes had earlier been fortunate not to concede a penalty after appearing to clear the ball inside the area with his arm.

Replays of the decision showed the ball hit the top of Fernandes’ arm, which, by the rules of the game, means it is not a penalty.

The Premier League Match Centre released an explanation for both decisions.

“The referee’s call of no penalty to Leeds United was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Fernandes did not commit a handball offence.

VAR: “Confirming the on-field decision of play on. The ball strikes the very top of the arm as he is leaning – in the green zone”.

“The referee’s call of no red card to Bogle for the challenge on Tel was checked and confirmed by VAR.

VAR: “I’m confirming the on-field decision of no red card. There’s a lack of speed going into the challenge and he’s stepping into the tackle. Confirming a reckless challenge”.

"No sense at all," said lead commentator Darren Fletcher on TNT Sports regarding the lack of card for the challenge.

"If you are a referee, you have to at least see the yellow card challenge [on the monitor] if [VAR] don't think it's a red."

Steven Gerrard, on co-commentary, added: "We don't like to see anyone get sent off .... but he's got away with one there."

"They've said no red card, this will create debate," former Spurs midfielder Michael Brown said on BBC 5 Live.

"The stud goes into the back of his Achilles, but the one thing I'll say in his defence, his right foot comes round to win the ball but his left foot just plants down.

"I'll give him the benefit of the doubt but it's still a nasty one. The ref should still go and see it on the monitor."