Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has delivered disappointing injury news in his latest press conference as Spurs prepare for their clash against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Tuesday night.
The Lowdown: Spurs’ current injuries
The Lilywhites boss has not had the luxury of picking a starting XI from a fully fit squad in recent weeks, with a number of injuries limiting his options.
Defensive midfielder Oliver Skipp has been absent for the previous six games due to a groin strain, while Japhet Tanganga has suffered a knee injury which has kept him out for the same period of time.
January arrival Rodrigo Bentacur has also been out injured, having missed Spurs’ emphatic 4-0 victory over Leeds United. This was also the case for Lucas Moura, who was absent due to an unknown injury.
The Latest: Conte’s injury update
In his latest press conference, Conte provided an injury update ahead of Tottenham’s FA Cup clash against Middlesbrough, ruling all four aforementioned players out of contention.
As quoted by football.london when asked about team news for the trip to Teesside, he stated: “Same squad as we have to face Leeds. No Skipp, Tanganga, Moura or Bentancur.”
The Verdict: Time for rotation?
Given the number of injuries with which he has to contend, Conte may be forced into starting a similar XI as to what he did at the weekend against Leeds. If he is eager to give a breather to some key players, he could seek to utilise some of Tottenham’s under-23 squad, including the highly-rated Harvey White and Dane Scarlett.
However, Middlesbrough are renowned to be a physical side. Currently sitting eighth in the Championship, Conte may have himself a dilemma thrust upon him. Does he play the kids and rotate the regulars, or does he field his strongest team possible to maximise Spurs’ chances of advancing to the quarter-finals?
His options could be limited by the continued absences of Skipp, Tanganga, Moura and Bentancur, while he may also be reluctant to throw untested youngsters into what could be a physical contest.
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