Latest team news ahead of West Ham – positive update on Skipp

Antonio Conte is hopeful Oliver Skipp can return to the fold after the international break.

The young midfielder last featured off the bench against Chelsea on 23 January and has now missed our last 10 games in all competitions due to a groin issue.

Speaking after training on Friday, preparing for a huge clash against West Ham in the Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (4.30pm), Antonio gave us updates on Skippy, Ryan Sessegnon and spoke about Japhet Tanganga who, as we reported earlier, has now undergone surgery on his knee and is out for the season.

“Skippy is improving a lot, honestly, I hope after the international break to have him again with the team,” said Antonio. “Ryan, we are waiting for another scan and then to make an evaluation. Again, it’s my expectation to have him back in the squad after the international break.

“Japhet had surgery on his knee, and that has finished his season. The medical department tried to take care of the situation but, in the end, it was the best solution for the player.”

Speaking in his pre-West Ham press conference, Antonio added on Skippy: "I know the player’s frustration because we’re also talking about a really good guy. He's a top guy, a top man, to see him very disappointed and very sad for this situation... but he has to be strong because we believe in him and we are waiting for him."