'It's a pity': Conte can't wait to have 'important' player back for Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has described Oliver Skipp as an “important player” for Spurs.

The Tottenham manager says he’s pushing the medical department to get the 21-year-old back to fitness as soon as possible.

Skipp is one of the brightest talents to come through the Spurs academy ranks in recent years.

Last season, the midfielder was superb on loan at Norwich, helping them return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

And this term, Skipp has finally broken into the Tottenham first-team, with 28 Lilywhites appearances to his name.

The Spurs academy graduate is currently unavailable due to a groin injury and will miss Wednesday’s meeting with Southampton.

Speaking at his press conference, Conte admitted “it’s a pity” that Skipp is currently out of action.

The Italian also lauded how much Skipp has improved under his tutelage.

Football.london asked Conte about Skipp’s current condition.

“He had a problem then we tried to take care with him then we need to have a bit of patience with him,” he replied.

“He is another player that I have seen great improvement in him. It’s a pity that he is unavailable.

“I hope to have him back very soon. The medical department told me two weeks but I hope to have him available in one week, 10 days maximum.

“And for this reason I push the medical department because we’re talking about an important player for Tottenham Hotspur.”

Can Conte get the best out of “future captain”?

Skipp clearly has the quality and the attitude to develop into a world-class player and it’s great to see Conte having taken such a shine to him.

Indeed, the last four men in the Tottenham dugout before Conte all sung Skipp’s praises.

Nuno Espirito Santo said the player was “doing a fantastic job”, while Ryan Mason has called Skipp an “incredible talent”.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho thought he’d be a “future captain”. And Mauricio Pochettino said he was a “top” player with a bright future.