Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Antonio Conte has remained in Italy following a post-operation check-up to take care of his health and will not return to England at present.
Conte, 53, underwent gallbladder removal in Italy at the start of the month after suffering from severe abdominal pain and missed the 1-0 win Premier League win over Manchester City.
He returned to England last Wednesday and was on the bench for Saturday’s Premier League defeat at Leicester City while also making the trip back to his homeland as he watched his side lose 1-0 to AC Milan in the Champions League round of 16 first leg.
Conte revealed earlier this week that he defied doctor’s orders to return to work with Tottenham out of a sense of “responsibility” to his struggling team. He admitted he had been advised by his doctor not to return to work for more than a night and acknowledged he is still not “100 per cent”, nor able to communicate fully with his players from the touchline as witnessed at the King Power Stadium.
Spurs welcome rivals West Ham to north London on Sunday, which will see Conte’s assistant Cristian Stellini again take over responsibilities.
A statement on the official Spurs site read: “Following a routine post-operation check in Italy yesterday (Wednesday), Antonio Conte will remain at his family home to further and fully recover from his recent gallbladder surgery.
Health is the most important consideration and everyone at the Club wishes him well.
Cristian Stellini will assume First Team responsibility.”
Assistant manager Cristian Stellini led Tottenham into their recent victory over Manchester City and will now continue the club’s preparations, supported by Ryan Mason ahead of Sunday’s derby against West Ham United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
