‘Midfielder in contention’ – Tottenham boss provides injury update ahead of Crystal Palace

Tottenham Hotspur interim head coach Ryan Mason has confirmed that midfielder Oliver Skipp is in contention to face Crystal Palace this afternoon.

Skipp, 22, had to be taken off in last weekend’s 4-3 defeat at Liverpool after a challenge with Diogo Jota and needed stitches on a head wound.

Spurs head into today’s game against the Eagles nine points off the top four spots.

Mason told SPURSPLAY on Friday of Skipp’s fitness: “He’s in contention. I think he’s a very lucky boy, he needed close to 10 stitches, a couple of big gashes on his head, but ultimately it was nothing too serious. 

“It could have been – it was very close to being a serious injury – but thankfully, for us, it wasn’t.”

Mason also confirmed that goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and defender Ryan Sessegnon will be out for the rest of the season.

Palace won four of their six outings in April under Roy Hodgson.

“It will be a difficult game – they’re in a good moment,” Mason said of Palace’s form.

“They’re confident and winning games of football.

“But, at the same time, we’re at home, and we have to bring the intensity.

“I’ll always have a soft spot for Roy Hodgson – he gave me my England debut.

“I’m forever grateful for that. We will have to be at our best to win this game.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD