Alasdair Gold has claimed Antonio Conte’s belief Oliver Skipp may be available for Tottenham Hotspur’s next game may not be entirely realistic.
The Spurs correspondent was speaking on the latest episode of the Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham podcast amid the international break.
Who is better?
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Oliver Skipp
Just last week, the Italian claimed it may be a possibility Skipp could return in time for Tottenham’s upcoming Premier League clash against Newcastle United next weekend:
“About Skippy, I hope to have him after the international break. His pain it seems is getting better and better,” said the 52-year-old.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been sidelined since the end of January having sustained a pelvic issue after an impressive start to the 2021/22 campaign.
However, having already missed two months of action, Gold has claimed he has heard this may not be the case and may well be Conte putting more pressure on the Spurs doctors:
“I’m not exactly sure we’re probably going to see Oliver Skipp back quite as soon as Antonio Conte is making out. I think from everything I understand, I think Conte’s maybe putting a little bit more pressure on the medical department again, with his comments about him being, you know, improving Skippy.
“I think he’s definitely getting better. There’s definitely a light at the end of the tunnel but Conte wouldn’t rule him out being back for Newcastle.
“What I’m told is if he makes it for Newcastle, it will be amazing, it will be an incredible feat.”
TIF Thoughts on Gold’s comments…
Conte clearly loves the young midfielder and is desperate to see him return as soon as possible, however, with this issue being one without any clear return date, he must be careful not to bring Skipp back too soon.
Spurs are showing improved form as of late with Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg the latest midfield pairing and we do not think Skipp should be rushed to return.
There is still a lot lying on the remaining nine games of the season for Spurs, however, we do not think it would be worth potentially rushing Skipp back and aggravating his issue.
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