Antonio Conte has told Friday’s press conference – as per Football London – that he will be without Rodrigo Bentancur, Oliver Skipp and Sergio Reguilon as Tottenham Hotspur take on Leeds United on Saturday.
Spurs come into the game after Conte himself apologised for comments he made after Wednesday night’s 1-0 loss to Burnley – in which he suggested he might resign. Indeed, Conte has said it was purely out of frustration.
Harry Kane and co. have lost four out of their last five Premier League matches – but Leeds are also in a tricky patch of form. The Whites have picked up just one point from a possible 12, losing 6-0 to Liverpool.
Having discussed the comments and confirming he had spoken to Daniel Levy, Conte then gave an injury update ahead of Saturday’s clash. He says the club will be without Skipp, Bentancur and Tanganga on Saturday.
Skipp has suffered an infection in a groin injury, while Tanganga remains sidelined due to a knee problem. Bentancur has an issue in his ankle which saw the Uruguayan come off at half-time during the 1-0 loss to Burnley.
“Unfortunately Bentancur is not available for tomorrow’s game. He had a problem in his ankle. I don’t think this is a serious problem. I hope to see him in the team very soon but he’s not available tomorrow,” Conte said.
On Skipp and Tanganga: “Another problem. I hope the medical department help me. Skipp is now one month missing. Same with Tanganga. I don’t want to put pressure on the medical department but I need help.”
Conte on Bentancur, Tanganga, Skipp: Tottenham trio to miss Leeds
It means Conte will be forced to field a 3-4-3 system, instead of shaking his side up and playing the 3-5-2 formation that really worked against Leicester. Harry Winks and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are the only options.
Harvey White is the next-best option, the club’s Under-23 captain. But he is unlikely to be used. Eric Dier can play in the middle, but he is crucial to the defence. Dejan Kulusevski can play as a 10, if needs be.
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