Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has revealed that Clement Lenglet will miss Sunday's Premier League derby with Chelsea due to injury.
The Barcelona loanee made his competitive debut for the Lilywhites in last weekend's 4-1 opener against Southampton, coming on for the final four minutes of the contest.
Eric Dier, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies were expected to form Conte's first-choice backline at Stamford Bridge, but Lenglet will not be available as another defensive option.
Speaking to reporters at his pre-game press conference, Conte revealed that Lenglet was struggling with a minor abductor issue, and his absence was more precautionary than anything else.
"About injuries, a little problem with Clement Lenglet. I don't think he's available for the game against Chelsea, a little problem with fatigue," Conte explained.
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"He's a bit tired in his abductor, in the muscle. Nothing serious but only precaution, but not good to take a stupid risk. He's had a training session apart, but I think that will be good for him."
Conte also confirmed that Oliver Skipp is still a couple of weeks away from returning from a hairline foot fracture, but Spurs are otherwise well-stocked for the London derby, with Richarlison back from a ban served in the 4-1 win over Southampton.
Lenglet represents one of six players to come through the doors at Hotspur Way this summer, following Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Richarlison, Yves Bissouma and Djed Spence to the club.
Destiny Udogie is also understood to be closing in on a switch to Tottenham from Udinese, who will retain the 19-year-old left-back's services on loan for the 2022-23 season.
When questioned on any further plans for Spurs in the summer transfer window, Conte affirmed that his side cannot afford to be "foolish" with their finances or player requests.
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"We improved in this way but I know I can't have everything quickly but it would be foolish to ask for a lot of players and spend a lot of money," Conte added.
"We're doing the right things with common sense, not to spend the money on many players. Also this is not the politics of the club, I understand this. We have to go in the right way, doing the right things."
Udogie is reportedly set to fly to North London on Monday to complete his medical before returning to Udinese on loan for the remainder of the Serie A campaign.
The quartet of Tanguy Ndombele, Harry Winks, Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Reguilon are all expected to leave the club in the coming weeks, and Conte has supposedly banished all four from first-team training as they try to secure their respective exits.
However, a lack of potential suitors could instead see Tottenham forced to loan out the quartet rather than find permanent destinations.
Ben Knapton
