Antonio Conte has been quoted by Football London reporter Alasdair Gold as saying that Tottenham midfielder Oliver Skipp has been “suffering a lot” on the sidelines. Skipp picked up an infection in his groin injury of late.
Skipp, 21, returned to Tottenham in the summer from Norwich City – after shining on loan at Carrow Road, helping Daniel Farke’s side win the Championship title. He returned to Spurs as a key part of Nuno’s side.
With Conte now in place, he has remained a key figure in the team. Playing eight Premier League matches under the Italian – he has won five, lost only once and Spurs have only conceded six goals. Thus, is his importance.
Skipp has now been out for seven games – five in the Premier League and two FA Cup outings, and will miss Tuesday’s outing against Middlesbrough. Conte gave an update, and admitted he is really struggling on the sidelines.
“Skippy has started to work. We’re hoping to have him in one week for training sessions. I hope so because we’re talking about a really good guy. He’s suffering a lot, Skippy, not being available,” Conte said, on Skipp.
Conte on Skipp: Getting Tottenham man back is important for rotation
In the middle of the park, Conte now has four very-solid options. Four midfielders for two positions, all of which are defensive-minded, excellent on the ball, hard-working, loyal and determined.
Harry Winks, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur are all well-established internationals – even if Winks has dropped down the pecking order for England. Skipp is a future England international.
But with Bentancur injured, getting Skipp back as soon as possible is important in order to keep Winks and Hojbjerg fresh. It is a demanding position in Conte’s side – and rotation is key between the four.
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