Tottenham trio Eric Dier, Oliver Skipp and Japhet Tanganga have been ruled out of Wednesday’s clash with Southampton.
Dier has not played since January 23 due to a thigh issue and he has not recovered in time to face Southampton.
“Eric Dier is not available,” said Tottenham manager Antonio Conte on Tuesday.
“He had the same problems that he had in the past before playing the last game against Chelsea. He had a little muscular problem in his thigh.
“It’s not serious but the problem is in the same place as the last time so the doctors told me to be patient and not take risks with him. It’s a pity because you know the importance of this player to us.”
Skipp has a groin problem. Conte said: “He had a problem but we tried to take care of him. I think we need to have a bit of patience with him. Skippy is another player I have seen great improvement in him.
“He’s another young player with a lot of space for improvement. It’s a pity he’s not available but I hope very quickly to have him with the squad and I asked my medical department to give me this opportunity.
“Honestly I hope to have him back very soon. The medical department said to me two weeks but I hope to have him available in one week or 10 days maximum.
“For this reason I try to push my medical department because we need Skipp to be available. We’re talking about a good and important player for Tottenham.”
Asked whether new signings Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski are ready to start, Conte said: “Yeah, I think they’re working very well and I’m pleased for the way they’re understanding our idea of football.
“Both Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski are good players and they’re working very well.
“For sure, they need a bit of time to understand very well and go into the team. To understand our tactics aspect offensively and defensively. But I’m very pleased with them because I know I can count on them.”
