Antonio Conte hints at Hugo Lloris plan after injury return at Tottenham Hotspur
Fraser Forster has stepped in for Hugo Lloris as Tottenham Hotspur’s first-choice goalkeeper since the latter’s ligament injury in his team’s 1-0 league win against Manchester City last month.
Early diagnosis claimed that Lloris will miss around six to eight weeks of action. That means Spurs fans can hope to see the 36-year-old return to the first-team set-up after the March international break.
Forster, 34, has played 12 games for us across competitions this season. He was signed on a free transfer from Southampton last summer, undoubtedly as Lloris’ backup.
He is fulfilling his purpose. Forster was decent in our 2-0 league wins against West Ham United and Chelsea while he saved a crucial stoppage-time penalty against Nottingham Forest in our 3-1 league win earlier this month.
Despite an array of good displays, manager Antonio Conte has confirmed that Lloris will return as the club’s undisputed No. 1 choice between the sticks when he recovers.
Conte makes confident Lloris claim
Speaking at his pre-match press conference before the league game against Southampton on 18 March, the former Juventus manager said (h/t Football.London):
“For sure Hugo is our keeper but before to come back he has to stay well. We won’t force the situation because Fraser deserves credit. We are really happy with Fraser but when Hugo will be ready he is our first choice.”
It seems that Lloris will continue to be our first choice for the rest of the season, which won’t be a surprise. But it is about time we search for a long-term replacement for him.
Forster has been good but he isn’t of the quality or the age profile to be Lloris’ successor in the long term. The Frenchman is himself ageing and at the dusk of his playing days, with his contract expiring at the end of next season.
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It’s obviously fine that Lloris, our skipper, is the undisputed first-choice goalie no matter how Forster performs. Next season, however, the story should be different. Spurs must go out and sign an already world-class goalie, or a player with huge potential, to become Lloris’ successor.
