'He's a bit unlucky': Antonio Conte says Tottenham Hotspur player is set to miss the next 'two or three games'

By Milo Clay

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has confirmed that Oliver Skipp will miss the next two or three Premier League games. 

Speaking to the club’s website ahead of the game against Southampton tomorrow, Conte said Skipp has suffered a fractured foot training. 

The 21-year-old suffered an injury that left his Spurs teammates shaken up and has missed the last two pre-season games. 

Skipp was ‘absolutely flying’ in pre-season training before the injury and was reportedly in the top two fittest players in the Tottenham team. 

But now the youngster has suffered another setback after being ruled for the remainder of last season back in February. 

Skipp to miss next two or three games 

Conte told Spurs Play that Skipp has been unfortunate with recent injuries and confirmed that he will be ruled out for up to three weeks. 

“We have only Oliver Skipp in this moment that is not available for this game,” he said.

“I think also for two or three games. He has a fracture in his foot. 

“For this reason, we need to have a bit of patience. He’s a bit unlucky.” 

Skipp was a mainstay in the Spurs team under Conte last season before suffering an injury which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. 

The Englishman returned from a successful loan spell at Norwich City in the Championship and quickly made an impression on the Italian, as well as his predecessor Nuno Espirito Santo. 

Conte also faces fitness concerns over new signing Yves Bissouma as the midfielder has picked up a slight hamstring issue and reportedly didn’t train with the team yesterday. 

If Bissouma fails to make it back in time for the game against Southampton, Rodrigo Bentancur will surely be handed a place in the team alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. 

Conte will be hoping to have Skipp and Bissouma back as soon as possible as he aims to fight on all fronts this season.

The Italian will need plenty of options in midfield if he is to successfully rotate his side and progress in cup competitions.