‘Huge news’ – Pundit claims absence of Spurs player is ‘devastating’

Paddy Kenny has claimed the absence of Oliver Skipp will prove to be more detrimental for Tottenham than people expect.

Skipp, 21, last played for Spurs in the 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on January 23 where he picked up a groin problem in the encounter.

However, the midfielder’s recovery was complicated by an infection (Football.London) which has caused him to miss all seven of Spurs’ last seven matches in all competitions.

Spurs’ form has since taken a big hit in his absence, winning three games and losing four in that span.

Antonio Conte confirmed Skipp would indeed remain unavailable for his side’s meeting with Everton tomorrow night, where he bemoaned Tottenham’s medical department for a lack of clarity on the problem (The Guardian).

And Kenny believes Skipp’s continued absence will remain a huge blow for Spurs, who are now five points out of the Champions League places.

Kenny told Football Insider: “Losing Skipp for such a long period is a far bigger blow than people think.

“His energy, dynamism, work rate, ability on the ball, these are things that Antonio Conte really rates, as he usually picks him when he’s fit.

“It is no coincidence that Spurs’ results have been mixed, and pretty poor, while he has been out.

“Losing him for the next match is huge news, devastating really, as he helps make the team tick.”

Skipp has cemented a place in the Spurs line-up since returning from a successful stint on loan at Norwich City last season.

The England U-21 international has made 28 appearances this term, including 14 starts in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).

Spurs Web Opinion

Skipp has been such a key player for Spurs and we are now noticing that in his absence. The team just hasn’t been the same without his work in central midfield and his injury complication seems to be delaying his return, which is bad news for the side overall.

Related Topics