Search icon

Football

15th Apr 2022

Antonio Conte issues Ireland injury update on Matt Doherty

Luke Jennings

“The doctor said he could recover without surgery.”

Antonio Conte provided an update on Matt Doherty’s injury following his collision with Matty Cash against Aston Villa last Saturday at Villa Park.

Following Spurs’ 4-0 victory, it was believed that Doherty’s season was over suggesting he was going to be out injured for 12 weeks.

Matt Doherty

Antonio Conte reflects on Matt Doherty’s injury.

Conte addressed the media ahead of their game against Brighton on Saturday. The Italian emphasised Doherty’s absence as “really bad news” as he had been a key asset in their starting 11 for 2022.

The 52-year-old highlighted the confidence Doherty had in the run of games before the injury, scoring two goals and three assists in his last six Premier League appearances.

“This is really bad news for us because, as you know well, Matthew was improving game by game and becoming a really important player for us,” Conte said at the press conference.

“He had great confidence. But, in football, this kind of situation can happen, an injury. Now we’ve lost him for the rest of the season.”

Matt Doherty

Conte’s injury update on Doherty.

Conte detailed the doctor’s verdict following Doherty’s first consultation. According to the doctor, the former Bohemians player “could recover without surgery.”

The Premier League winner described the length of the injury as only being “seven, eight weeks” long. This provides hope to the Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny ahead of the June Nations League fixtures.

“I think after the first visit of the doctor, the doctor said he could recover without surgery. But, for sure in this type of situation, it’s important to have different opinions, then to make the best decision,” Conte added.

“We are talking about seven, eight weeks to recover, and for this reason, his season has finished. It’s a pity because he was an important player for us.”

Related links:

 

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10