Boost for Tottenham as Hugo Lloris steps up recovery from injury
The Spurs captain has been absent since he injured his knee in a 1-0 win over Manchester City on February 5.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris stepped up his recovery from a knee injury by playing in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Thursday.
The World Cup-winning goalkeeper has not featured for Spurs since a 1-0 win over Manchester City on February 5 and therefore been absent during a run where the club exited the FA Cup and Champions League.
It has contributed towards the uncertainty over Antonio Conte’s future, but in rare welcome news for the north London outfit, Frenchman Lloris was able to play against an Ipswich XI at Hotspur Way on Thursday, the PA news agency understands.
Lloris was expected to be sidelined for between six to eight weeks after he sustained a knee issue in the final minutes of an impressive victory over City last month.
The former France international missed nine matches in total and even though back-up stopper Fraser Forster deputised to good effect to keep Tottenham’s top-four tilt on track, their inconsistent form continued with losses at Sheffield United and AC Milan consigning the club to another trophyless season.
It has put the spotlight on Conte’s future, which has been a topic of debate throughout the season due to the original terms he signed in 2021 expiring this summer.
An explosive rant following last Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Southampton saw the 53-year-old question the culture of a club that has “never won something” and aim criticism at his own “selfish players” after they let a two-goal lead slip.
Tottenham resume their Premier League campaign with a trip to Everton on April 3 and Conte is not expected to be in charge.
While Lloris could return to action at Goodison Park, Spurs will be without Ben Davies for the foreseeable future.
Davies, who pulled out of national team duty with Wales this week, is set to be out for six weeks with a hamstring injury.