Antonio Conte is going to take a chance, as the Tottenham Hotspur manager is giving Fraser Forster his first North London Derby debut.
Transfer Insider Dean Jones has confirmed the news, as Hugo Lloris is out due to injury.
The 34-year-old is struggling with a muscle problem and is expected to miss Saturday’s derby against Arsenal.
According to The Guardian, the French goalkeeper is a big doubt for this weekend. So this indicates that Antonio Conte has to make Fraser Forster debut.
Fraser Forster at Tottenham Hotspur
Forster signed for Tottenham on a free transfer after his contract with Southampton expired. The goalkeeper made 134 appearances for the Saints in his eight-year tenure.
After joining the club, the former England international has yet to appear on the pitch. He spent his time on the bench as an unused substitute for the club in all games thus far.
Another worrying fact is that Forster has not played a single minute in any competition for almost five months. Many believe that it is a great risk for Conte to maintain his unbeaten streak in a derby like this.
On GIVEMESPORT, Dean Jones said: “The alternative to Lloris is Fraser Forster coming in for what would be his Tottenham debut in a massive game.”
He also spoke about the risk to Tottenham Hotspur, adding: “I’m sure Forster will be confident that he could cope with an occasion like that because that’s what they buy you and they tell you to prepare as a substitute goalkeeper, but it would be a great moment for him and a potentially risky moment for [Antonio] I counted.
Senior journalist Tom Barclay also confirmed the news of Lloris’ injury. He told GiveMeSport: “It would be a big hit, he’s the captain as well as their number one goalkeeper.”
Barclay also added how much the Spurs team will miss their starting goalkeeper: “Fraser Forster would come in and earn his move to Tottenham, he has a lot of experience in the Premier League but you can’t take away the qualities that Lloris has.” as a leader and as a goalkeeper.
Reports suggest that Lloris has suffered a thigh injury. France International’s absence from the match will be a blow to Antonio Conte, as the goalkeeper started all eight Premier League and Champions League games.
Aside from Lloris and Forster, Tottenham Hotspur’s only goalkeeper is Brandon Austin, who has no first-team experience. Conte has faith in the former Southampton goalkeeper, as he has an experience of 400 games.
