NEW YORK -- Hugo Lloris says Moussa Sissoko has "a lot to prove" at Tottenham and admits the £30 million signing is facing an uncertain future at the club.
Sissoko joined Spurs from Newcastle United for a joint club-record fee on deadline day last summer after a series of powerful displays for France at Euro 2016.
But the 27-year-old struggled mightily to find success at White Hart Lane last season, starting just eight Premier League matches and facing public criticism from manager Mauricio Pochettino for his performances in training.
Sissoko is not part of Spurs' preseason tour of the US after missing four days' training with a virus, and he has admitted he could leave the club this summer -- despite Pochettino saying on Saturday that he remains in his plans.
Asked about his teammate's situation, France and Tottenham captain Lloris refused to offer any guarantees and said Sissoko would need to play more this season -- at Spurs or elsewhere -- to have an impact at next summer's 2018 World Cup.
"It's true that last season was a bit frustrating for him and he's got a lot to prove, and then we'll see what will happen in this period," Lloris said on New York's High Line.
"Everything can happen, but I know Moussa and he's still committed towards the team. It's not an easy situation for him, for the team and for the manager. Obviously the manager would prefer to have him in the squad and involved in our USA tour but unfortunately he cannot be here.
"But he's preparing himself to be ready for the next weeks. Moussa is strong in his mind. I've played with him for a while and I'm not really worried.
"Moussa is important for the French national team. He's a consistent player, he's been in the national team for a while. He needs to play, obviously, more than last season. But then it's a question of choices. It doesn't belong to me, it belongs to him and we will see what will happen."
It was Sissoko's form for France at Euro 2016, where he made six appearances and started the defeat to Portugal in the final, rather his performances for relegated Newcastle that prompted Spurs to buy him, but he has been unable to translate international form to club level.
Asked why, Lloris said: "I think it's more about style than about football. It's true that at Tottenham we play with a philosophy, with more focus on a concept, and then there's a lot of competition in our team, in our squad.
"We have a lot of talented players, committed, ready to help the team -- and then the gaffer will decide who will be in the starting XI. But it doesn't affect the changing room because there is a great atmosphere, a great attitude, and we are all enjoying our time at Spurs."
Sissoko missed preseason last year after arriving at Spurs just before the transfer deadline and Lloris, who signed on deadline day in August 2012, admits it is not an easy situation for players.
"I'm the best example for that. I arrived in the last day of the market and I remember it was not easy for me. But we don't have a word to say as the player -- it's up to the club," added Lloris, who was speaking alongside volunteers from Friends of the High Line charity, who help to maintained the iconic walkway on Manhattan's West Side.
"Then we know the transfer market is not an easy period for players, for their minds, for their preparations too, for their bodies. The most important thing is to try to be focused on yourself, try to make yourself fit and make sure your mind is ready, whatever will happen in your club or in your future club. That's football, that's part of our job."