Rodrigo Bentancur’s seven-match suspension remains firmly in place after the Football Association dismissed Tottenham Hotspur’s appeal.
Spurs had hoped to reduce the ban by one game, but the decision by the FA’s independent regulatory commission stands, keeping the influential midfielder sidelined for domestic fixtures.
The ban stems from derogatory comments Bentancur made about teammate Heung-min Son during the summer, a disciplinary issue that has proved costly for Tottenham.
Despite the club's efforts to amend the ruling, the FA confirmed the appeal’s dismissal, leaving Ange Postecoglou without one of his key players for two more games.
Thankfully for Spurs, Bentancur remains eligible for European competitions. The Uruguayan has featured in the Europa League, where his performances have been a rare silver lining amidst his absence from domestic clashes.
On top of that, Tottenham are also enduring a challenging this season, marked by recent transfer speculation surrounding players like Omar Alderete and mounting criticism over the team’s inconsistency on the pitch.
When will Rodrigo Bentancur return to action for Tottenham?
According to The Spurs Web, Bentancur’s return is marked for Tottenham’s Boxing Day visit to Nottingham Forest, and his reintroduction to the squad will feel like a fresh start for Spurs.
Postecoglou will undoubtedly welcome the midfielder’s composure, creativity, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches.
Spurs fans will also be relieved to see Bentancur back in action, especially as the team eyes a crucial push for success in both domestic and European competitions.
However, with two challenging fixtures still to navigate without him, the pressure is on for Tottenham’s remaining midfielders to step up and deliver in his absence.
How has Rodrigo Bentancur performed this season?
Bentancur has already served five of his seven-match ban, sitting out pivotal fixtures, including battles with Manchester City, Chelsea, and Southampton.
Tottenham’s inability to effectively replace his presence has been evident, with the team struggling to progress the ball from midfield to attack.
Here are Bentancur's statistics for the 2024/2025 season:
Competition | Matches | Goals |
|---|---|---|
Premier League | 10 | 1 |
EFL Cup | 2 | 0 |
UEFA Europa League | 5 | 0 |
* Data provided by Sofascore.
The final two matches of Bentancur’s suspension include a challenging EFL Cup quarterfinal against Manchester United and a high-stakes Premier League clash with Liverpool.
Bentancur’s comeback promises to restore balance and leadership to a midfield that has looked disjointed without him. His return could be the key to reigniting Tottenham’s campaign at a pivotal point in their season.
It is also worth highlighting that the team has managed to hold its ground thanks to the collective efforts of players such as Dejan Kulusevski.
Now, the Spurs face a crucial test against Manchester United in the EFL Cup quarterfinals, eager to prove to their supporters that they are ready to rise again.