Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a huge injury setback over defender Matt Doherty this week...
What's the latest?
Spurs manager Antonio Conte has revealed that the full-back will miss the remainder of the campaign due to his injury, despite the club hoping that he will be able to return without going under the knife.
The ex-Wolves man was forced off during the first half of the 4-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend and will now have to wait until 2022/23 to play in a competitive match again.
Charlie Eccleshare Tweeted: "Conte says that a doctor has told Doherty that he can recover without surgery, but #THFC are going to get a second opinion. His season is definitely over."
The head coach also said: "This is really bad news for us. We know very well the improvement in our team and it is a pity because to lose a player like him for the rest of the season. We have to try and cope in the best possible way until the end of the season."
Supporters will be infuriated
This confirmation from Conte that Doherty will play no further part this term will surely leave the fans furious as it comes as a major blow to the side.
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The Ireland international averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.06 in the Premier League across 15 outings this term. In those matches, he won 56% of his duels, made 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game and created three 'big chances', showing off his consistency and ability at both ends of the pitch.
He managed two goals and three assists in his six appearances leading up to the clash with Villa. This shows that he was getting into his full stride and making a huge impact for Conte's team playing on the right and the left of the defence when needed.
Therefore, losing him is a major blow as they will now be without his attacking talent from wing-back for the final seven matches of the league season. This has come at a terrible moment for the club as they are in a tight battle to finish in the top four, currently sitting three points clear of Arsenal in fifth - who have a game in hand - and six points ahead of West Ham in fifth in the Premier League table.
Fans will be worried with the timing of the blow and will be praying that other players at the back are able to step up in his absence to ensure that the team can secure Champions League football for next season.
AND in other news, "Paratici is crazy...": Insider delivers big Spurs transfer claim that'll excite Conte...