Antonio Conte has admitted he is “really worried” about Oliver Skipp’s injury and revealed Ryan Sessegnon has joined his teammate on the sidelines.
Skipp has not played since a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on January 24 after a groin problem became infected.
“For sure, I am a bit worried. He started with a groin pain. And then now, we are talking about two months, two months and half, that he is out,” Conte said ahead of Saturday’s visit to Manchester United.
“I don’t have so many midfielders. There is Bentancur and [Pierre-Emile] Hojbejrg and [Harry] Winks. To miss for a lot of time Skipp is not simple, and I have to hope also not to have injuries for our midfielders. Bentancur has had a problem. And to have only two midfielders, you have to hope also to finish the game without injuries.
“For sure this is a problem. I am a bit worried. In the mind of the player [Skipp], there was the desire to come back very soon, as soon as possible. But in this moment, if you ask me, a forecast about his return with the team, I don’t have an answer. I don’t have an answer. For this reason I am really worried, we are talking about a player, who was playing very well. We need to have another midfielder with his type of characteristic.”
Sessegnon was forced off at half-time of Monday’s 5-0 win over Everton with another hamstring complaint, although it is understood to be a different injury to his previous hamstring problems.
He is expected to be sidelined for at least a month and Conte revealed the wing-back is “very frustrated” by the setback and says the club is supporting the 21-year-old.
“Bad news about Ryan Sessegnon,” Conte added. “He had a scan and has a muscular problem. Maybe we’ll see him after the [March] international break.
“We’re talking about not a new problem, a situation that unfortunately is repeating, not only in this season but in the past. We have to try with the medical department to find a solution to help this player but sometimes also I think there is a predisposition to have this type of problem, especially a muscular problem.
“He’s very strong physically and sometimes instead of being good for your body, it can be a problem. If you are much stronger, your body can. It’s difficult because we’re talking about science. With this topic it’s better to speak with the doctor than with me.
“For sure we are very disappointed, we hope to find the best solution to help him not have many injuries. We are hoping, as for one month and a half he was playing with continuity, his performances were good, excellent, he was improving. I understand, i have seen the disappointment of the player, he is very frustrated. This is the aspect I worry [about].
“He’s very young. To see a player like him frustrated about these injuries, is a pity, and also we have to work with him in the human aspect, to stay very close to him and support him.”
