Antonio Conte concerned over injury to Oliver Skipp

Skipp’s absence is combined with Rodrigo Bentancur, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Harry Winks being out, making Spurs incredibly light in midfield.

This is of particular concern heading into an important clash with Manchester United this weekend, with only two points separating the two sides.

Both are battling for a top-four finish in the Premier League and Spurs could leapfrog United into fifth place with a win.

Speaking ahead of the match, Conte said, "For sure I am a bit worried.

"He started with a groin pain. And then now, we are talking about two months, two months and a half, that he is out.

"To miss Skipp for a lot of time is not simple and I have to hope also not to have injuries for our midfielders. Bentancur has had a problem. And to have only two midfielders, you have to hope also to finish the game without injuries.

"For sure this is a problem. I am a bit worried, in my mind, the mind of the player [Skipp] is there was the desire to come back very soon, as soon as possible.

"But in this moment, if you ask me for a forecast about his return with the team, I don’t have an answer.

"For this reason, I am really worried, we are talking about a player who was playing very well. We need to have another midfielder with his type of characteristic."

Ryan Sessegnon injury also a concern for Spurs

Meanwhile, Conte has also said the hamstring injury sustained by left-back Ryan Sessegnon needs to be managed.

He continued, "We are not talking about a new problem, we are talking about a situation that unfortunately is repeating.

"Not only in this season but also in the past. For sure we have to try with the medical department to find a solution to help this player.

"But sometimes also there is a predisposition to have this type of problem. And especially muscular problems. He’s very strong physically.

"Sometimes maybe to be so strong physically, instead of being good for your body, sometimes it can be a problem.

"For sure we are very disappointed, we hope to find the best solution to help him not have many injuries. We are hoping, as for one month and a half he was playing with continuity – his performances were good, excellent, he was improving.

"I understand, I have seen the disappointment of the player, he is very frustrated. This is the aspect I worry about. He’s very young.

"To see a player like him frustrated about these injuries, is a pity, and also we have to work with him in the human aspect, to stay very close to him and support him."