Tottenham: 'Big loss' for Antonio Conte involving £18m gem

Oliver Skipp’s continued absence has been a “big loss” for Tottenham in recent weeks, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The £18m-rated midfielder has been sidelined for the best part of two months with a pelvic injury and will miss Spurs’ trip to Brighton tonight.

In his breakout season in Tottenham’s first-team, the 21-year-old was enjoying a fine campaign in the heart of midfield alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Skipp featured in 18 of Spurs’ first 20 Premier League games but hasn’t played a minute since the defeat to Chelsea back in January.

Antonio Conte has regularly been asked about when Skipp could return to action but hasn’t been able to give an exact timeframe on when he might be back on the grass.

The Spurs boss was recently asked whether Skipp is making progress ahead of the Brighton game and admitted that he’s never seen a situation like this in his entire managerial career.

He said: “This question I can’t answer! Sorry but it’s not because I’m not polite. Skipp’s situation is the first time this situation with a player happened in my management. I don’t know, I don’t know!

“For sure we need him but at the moment no-one has tried to tell me the moment when he’s ready.

“Also, for the player because at the moment he’s really frustrated. He’s really young, he’s really good.”

Cristiano Ronaldo MASTERCLASS as Man United beat Spurs 3-2! Full reaction on The Football Terrace…

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Looking at Antonio Conte’s words, he sees it as a big loss. Skipp has come in this season and has performed really well; he’s kept the likes of Harry Winks out of the team.”

Conte’s recent comments would suggest that the midfielder might not be seen again this season.

While he hasn’t indicated that might be the case,