Ben Davies still missing from training ahead of Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United
According to Alasdair Gold, the club’s correspondent for Football.London, Ben Davies is still an absentee in training sessions as Tottenham Hotspur prepares to face off against Newcastle United on Sunday. This update would undoubtedly be a blow to Antonio Conte as the defender has been a solid presence as a left-centre-back so far.
Tottenham will host the Premier League fixture on Sunday when both teams will try to start with a win following the international break. However, the home side would have to deal with some injury concerns with some key players possibly missing from the match. Davies is one of them, having not been pictured in training in the build-up to the game.
Earlier, it was claimed that the Welshman would be able to make it in time, but the latest news does not instil anyone with confidence regarding his recovery. He had returned early from his national team squad after feeling some tightness in his quad muscle.
Davies to miss Tottenham vs Newcastle clash?
The 28-year-old’s absence would be a damning blow for Conte, considering how he has been a regular in the boss’ team selection. Even though he is a fullback, the coach has utilised him in the left-hand side of the three at the back system so far.
Surprisingly enough, the Premier League ace has done well in that position and has been solid overall. What’s more, he has been able to stamp his authority in that role despite others who are natural centre-backs being available for selection. Joe Rodon and Davinson Sanchez, for example, have not been able to pip Davies from the starting spot.
It will be interesting to see the replacement selected by the Italian manager if Davies does end up being sidelined for Sunday’s fixture. Perhaps, Rodon could finally get his chance after the boss gave a glowing report about his display against Austria during this international break.
Davies is not the only injury concern, though, as Japhet Tanganga is out for the remainder of this season. Ryan Sessegnon would be out of contention as well with a hamstring injury and is expected to return around mid-April.
Oliver Skipp would be another absentee, but his recovery from a pelvic issue has been going well in recent weeks. He has stepped up his rehab and is doing outdoor work at this moment with the help of the sports science team. His return date is set in a similar time frame to Sessegnon, which would be a sigh of relief after being out for more than two months or so.
Latest update from Conte
Speaking in the pre-match presser (h/t Football.London), Conte has provided the latest update on Skipp and Sessegnon. He has revealed that the Tottenham duo are doing well and are getting close to getting back into full fitness. The boss also hopes to recover them by next week even if they are training individually at this moment.
“Good news for Oliver-Skippy, and Ryan Sessegnon, they are very very close to being back with the team. They are improving a lot. They are having important training sessions, not with the team but apart. I hope next week to have both players back with the team.”
More Tottenham Hotspur News
- Spurs Transfer News: Tottenham Hotspur identify Genoa star Andrea Cambiaso as Sergio Reguilon replacement
- Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal to play possible UCL decider in the penultimate week of the domestic season
- Gianluca Di Marzio: Lautaro Martinez prefers to join Atletico Madrid rather than Tottenham Hotspur
Despite these setbacks, coupled with the Magpies’ rise since the January transfer window, the North Londoners must win this game if they hope to achieve Champions League qualification for next season. Hence, starting with three points is a must, so we are hopeful that the team can get this match in their bag on Sunday.
