Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has provided an injury update on Tottenham Hotspur duo Oliver Skipp and Ben Davies, touting ‘slightly optimistic’ returns for Southampton.
The Lowdown: Spurs' PL opener
Spurs get their Premier League campaign underway next Saturday as Antonio Conte’s side prepare to face Southampton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Italian boss will be hoping for a strong start to the season after Lilywhites managing director Fabio Paratici secured six new signings for the squad, with further arrivals and departures still expected to take place.
The Latest: Gold’s update
In a QnA for football.london, Gold was questioned about the availability of Skipp and Davies ahead of Spurs’ opening clash against Southampton.
In response, the journalist revealed:
“Oliver Skipp's injury was just a minor knock to his foot in training on Friday. He could be back for the match against Roma and if not then he's expected to be pushing to be involved against Southampton.
"For Ben Davies, Conte hopes he'll be ready for that Premier League opener although could prove to be slightly optimistic. The key is how the Welshman's ankle reacts in the week ahead.”
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The Verdict: Fingers crossed
The return of Davies and Skipp will be seen as a huge boost by Tottenham fans, given their reliability last season.
The Wales international certainly stepped up to the plate, playing as a makeshift left centre-back in Conte’s preferred back five on 35 occasions.
For his fantastic efforts in the role, Spurs awarded the 29-year-old with a fresh contract which will keep him in North London until June 2025.
Skipp, who didn’t feature as regularly as Davies due to a serious injury, still managed to amass 18 appearances in the Premier League last season.
Having his first-team progress suddenly halted, the 21-year-old will be hoping to push on and establish himself as a mainstay in Conte’s team this year.