Ryan Sessegnon has pulled out of the England U21 squad due to an injury. Last week the international squad was revealed and the U21 side remained largely the same as what it was in March, although Sessegnon and Emile Smith Rowe had been added to the 24-man squad, ahead of matches against Czech Republic, Kosovo, Albania and Slovenia.
The 22-year-old has faced a number of injury problems, with different hamstring problems, during his time at Tottenham, including last season. However, when he was fit, he adapted well to Antonio Conte's system and was the first choice at left wing-back in the final stretch of the season, helping Spurs to finish inside the top four and qualify for the Champions League.
football.london understands that the youngster has been pulled out of the squad as more of a precaution in the aftermath of the busy fixture schedule he was involved in at the end of last season as the club's only fit senior left wing-back. The 22-year-old is believed to be focusing on a huge pre-season ahead under Conte and the decision is understood to have come from both Tottenham and England being careful with a young player who is trying to get past his hamstring problems of recent years.
READ MORE: Why Antonio Conte believes Ivan Perisic is the man to turn Ryan Sessegnon into a superstar
Sessegnon made 22 appearances in all competitions for Spurs last season, producing two Premier League assists and showing the quality he can bring down the left flank, when fit. Due to Sergio Reguilon's injury towards the end of the season, it required the 22-year-old to step up and be Conte's only real option at left wing-back.
Although his previous injuries caused some inconsistent performances for the England international, he ended the season in good form. Therefore pulling out of the England U21 squad as a precaution, as football.london understands, can only be a benefit for the youngster, ahead of a big season in his career.
Sessegnon has had praise from Conte, who sees great potential in the wing-back. "Sess in my vision has all the possibility to become an important player," the Italian admitted. "First of all he is young and has in front of him a lot of years. He is strong physically and fast, has a good engine, a resilience."
Continuing to work with the 52-year-old is likely to only aid his development and help him fulfil his full potential at Tottenham. Ivan Perisic is set to have his medical at Hotspur Way today (Monday) and having someone like the Croatian to look to and learn from, could be vital for Sessegnon.
The 33-year-old would provide the Spurs boss with another option at left wing-back and with his experience and winning mentality, could help with the 22-year-old's progression. Therefore assuming and hoping Sessegnon is ok and his injury isn't anything serious, it could be a benefit for him, ahead of a big few months before the 2022/23 season begins.
