Antonio Conte will again step away from first-team duties at Tottenham following a routine post-operation check in Italy; he will remain in his home country after undergoing surgery to remove his gallbladder two weeks ago; assistant coach Cristian Stellini will take charge in his absence
Thursday 16 February 2023 14:40, UK
Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte will remain in Italy at his family home after a post-operation check following recent gallbladder surgery, with assistant Cristian Stellini assuming charge in his absence.
The Spurs boss returned to the touchline for last weekend's 4-1 Premier League defeat at Leicester and was again present for their 1-0 loss at AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday but has since remained in his home country.
Two weeks ago Conte had surgery to remove his gallbladder and subsequently missed the 1-0 win over Manchester City on February 5.
Following the announcement that he will be temporarily stepping away, the Italian said on Instagram on Thursday afternoon: "My great sense of responsibility towards the club, the players, the staff and the fans brought me to anticipate my comeback on field.
"Sadly I underestimated the procedure, which wasn't a routine operation, but a sudden and serious emergency.
"My body has suffered my impatience and now I am forced to stop until my entire recovery.
"Who knows me, understands what a burden this is for me, but it is necessary. Come on you Spurs!"
Assistant Stellini had referenced the need for Conte to "take it easy" upon his return and the former Chelsea boss conceded he was not 100 per cent ahead of the midweek fixture in Milan.
Stellini, who has won two matches in charge of fifth-placed Spurs this season, will lead the team for Sunday's London derby at home against West Ham, live on Sky Sports.
"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," a club statement read.
"Health is the most important consideration and everyone at the club wishes him well. Cristian Stellini will assume first-team responsibility."
Conte had been reserved by his own high-octane standards at Leicester during a disappointing defeat but was more active at San Siro and regularly bellowed out instructions to his team.
The 53-year-old even insisted he would soon return to full fitness following the narrow Champions League last-16 first-leg loss.
Speaking on Tuesday night, Conte said: "Frankly speaking in the previous match (against Leicester) I was completely out, I have just had surgery and after two days my doctor told me I couldn't go, I couldn't make (the) effort.
"So in the previous match I was distant from the pitch. Cristian was there replacing me and was able to share my ideas with the team, he really helped me out a lot.
"I was wearing a medical device in that period, but I was still able to interact in a fair enough way with the team, I was not 100 per cent (in) my physical shape but in the next game I will be fit and try to give my contribution."
Sunday - West Ham (H), kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports
February 26 - Chelsea (H), kick-off 1.30pm, live on Sky Sports
March 1 - Sheffield United, FA Cup (A), kick-off 7.55pm
March 4 - Wolves (A), kick-off 3pm
March 8 - AC Milan, Champions League (H), kick-off 8pm
March 11 - Nottingham Forest (H), kick-off 3pm
