Skipp injury is disappointing but not disasterous for Tottenham Hotspur

Although his injury-enforced absence is undoubtedly disappointing, it is not yet disastrous for Oliver Skipp or Tottenham Hotspur. 

After missing the back half of last season, Skipp was supposed to return this summer and compete for a starting role; instead, injuries persist for the young midfielder. Although the timing is unfortunate and does leave Tottenham a bit short, his injury can be overcome, and there is ample time in the season to contribute.

Skipp was in the mix at the start of camp for Tottenham

After missing the last 20 matches of 2021/22, the homegrown Tottenham midfielder was ready to hit the ground running in the club’s first preseason under Antonio Conte. Skippy hit the ground running and started each of Spurs’ first two preseason matches in Korea – playing the first 45-minutes in each.

Although Skipp looked a bit rusty, he was getting up and down the field well and was on the way to having a shout starting in the opening match against Southampton. Unfortunately, luck was not on Skipp’s side.

Initial reports regarding Skipp’s latest setback were unclear as he missed out on the third preseason match in Scotland versus Rangers. However, as the week progressed, it became apparent that Skipp would miss more time.

According to the article from Football.London, the incident was so gruesome that the incident shook some players. Regardless of how severe the scene was at the time, Skipp missed both of the last two preseason games and seems likely to miss the opener against Southampton.

Given Skipp had missed so much time previously and his presumed role in the team, it certainly stunts his development and is likely very difficult for Skipp personally. However, the team is better prepared to overcome his absence than last season.

With the addition of Yves Bissouma, Spurs have more depth in the midfield next to Pierre Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur. Even if Skipp misses the first few games, those three should have things covered.

Spurs have depth and schedule to cover or now

Suppose Conte is forced to go deeper on his bench, which seems possible with rumors of a Bissouma knock. In that case, fans should expect to see Pape Matar Sarr or Harvey White get an opportunity and some time on the bench, before the return of outcasts, like Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso, or even Harry Winks.

While other young players have been sent out on loan, neither Sarr nor White seems to be going anywhere.

The good news for Skipp and Tottenham is that the Lilywhites do not start to play two games per week until September when the UEFA Champions League begins. With only one game each week for the first month of the season, it should be easier for Spurs to cover for players out with injury as everyone has ample time to recover.

Of course, if we are still talking about this injury a month from now, the story will be quite different; for now, Skipp is just unlucky, which is okay.