Oliver Skipp made his long-awaited return to the Tottenham side in Korea
(Picture: Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I)Tottenham midfielder Oliver Skipp was delighted to have finally made his return from injury during the club’s pre-season friendly win over a K-League XI on Thursday.
A pelvic injury derailed what had been a breakthrough campaign for the midfielder, ruling him out of action from January onwards as Antonio Conte’s side qualified for the Champions League.
The Italian is a huge admirer of the England U21 international and grew increasingly frustrated by his absence.
“I’m sorry but I can’t answer this one either,” said Conte in March when asked of Skipp’s fitness.
“This is the first time I have had a situation where I don’t know.
“He’s a player we need, but at this moment no one tried to tell me the moment he is ready. Also for the player, they are really frustrated, he is young and a really good guy.”
That came after the former Chelsea boss appreared to question his own medical department after an FA Cup loss away at Middlesbrough.
“It is a pity I think in England that sometimes you should have a conference with the medical department,” he said.
“The doctors, it is too easy for the doctors to work here, because they don’t speak, they don’t explain what happens! Sometimes I think that could be good, one day, if in two weeks, to have a good press conference with the medical department to explain about the situation of the players, about the situation that they are trying to take care of their players. It is too easy for the medical department in England, I think so.
“Skipp’s not ready, he’s having this problem with groin pain, and is fighting and he could recover before but maybe something was wrong, and now we have to wait.”
Despite the signings of Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma, Skipp is expected to play a key role in the first full season Conte’s stewardship as Spurs look to a challenge across multiple fronts.
Handed a 45-minute run-out in Seoul, Conte revealed he was impressed with he saw from Skipp and the player himself spoke of his delight at having returned to action.
“It felt really good to be back out there. It’s been a long time, so it was great to get those minutes in and be back with the team, being out here, 11 v 11, that was really nice,” he told the club’s official media channel.
“It’s amazing, the support we’ve had from everyone since we’ve been here, amazing. The whole team has felt the love from everyone in Korea, so we’re really grateful.”
