Tottenham will be without midfielder Oliver Skipp for this evening’s clash with Aston Villa, Alasdair Gold reports.

The Lowdown: Villa looking to bounce back

Steven Gerrard’s side have struggled in recent weeks, losing their last three Premier League games.

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They have dropped into the bottom half of the table as a result, with their most recent defeat coming at the hands of rivals Wolves.

Despite their poor form, Villa know that a win against Antonio Conte’s side will take them back into the top ten, and Spurs have now been handed an injury blow for the clash.

The Latest: Skipp setback

Skipp, who Conte seems to love, has been missing since February, with reports last weekend suggesting he was ‘very close’ to making a return.

However, as relayed by Gold, Conte confirmed that Skipp won’t be ready for the trip to the Midlands due to a setback.

The Verdict: Boost for Gerrard

Of course, seeing a player out with a long-term injury shouldn’t be celebrated, but Gerrard may welcome the news of not having to face Skipp later today.

He was a regular in December and January, with Spurs winning five Premier League games and drawing one. Their unbeaten run came to an end against Chelsea, Skipp’s last game prior to his injury.

Conte will once again have just three central midfield options to choose from, making the latest update on Skipp a blow for Spurs.

In other news: Gerrard tells another Aston Villa star he can leave in shock Bodymoor Heath development.