Team news ahead of Middlesbrough – latest on Bentancur and Skipp

Antonio Conte reported that both Rodrigo Bentancur and Oliver Skipp are improving, but they will still be out alongside Lucas Moura and Japhet Tanganga for our FA Cup fifth round tie at Middlesbrough on Tuesday night (7.55pm).

That means it’s no change in terms of the squad available from our fine 4-0 win at Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday, where Rodrigo (ankle) and Lucas (dead leg) joined Skippy (groin) and Japhet (knee) on the sidelines after picking up knocks at Burnley.

Speaking to Spurs TV ahead of training on Monday, Antonio explained: “Bentancur is improving, and I think after this game, he can come back with us. Skippy has started to work. We are hoping to have him (back) in one week for training sessions. I hope so, because we are talking about a really good guy and he’s suffering a lot, Skippy, not being available. It’s the same with Japh... two important prospects for Tottenham, two young players.”

Asked about team news in his pre-match press conference, Antonio replied: “It’s the same, we have the same players, the same squad for when we faced Leeds on Saturday - no Skipp, no Tanganga, no Moura, no Bentancur.”