Antonio Conte’s hopes of having Oliver Skipp available for Tottenham's run-in have been dealt a blow after the midfielder felt discomfort on his return to outdoor training.
Skipp trained individually on the grass on Monday and Tuesday, but was set to be back indoors today after reporting soreness in his pelvis.
Conte said last week that Skipp was "very, very close" to returning from a long-term pelvic injury, which has ruled him out since late January, and the head coach was hopeful he could be back in full training by the end of this week.
But Skipp is now certain to sit out Saturday's visit to Aston Villa, with his potential return date still unclear.
The 21-year-old is close to signing a new four-year deal with Spurs, which would potentially take him to two decades at the club he joined aged five.
The new contract is thought to include the option of a further year and be worth in excess of £80,000-a-week, plus possible bonuses.
Skipp spent last season on loan in the Championship with Norwich before returning to Spurs and breaking into the first team, and has been advised to rest by specialists.
