Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte to remain in Italy after check-up, Cristian Stellini to take charge

As per Conte’s previous absence Cristian Stellini, his assistant, will lead the first team.

Tottenham’s statement read “Following a routine post-operation check in Italy yesterday, Antonio Conte will remain at his family home to recover from his recent surgery.

“Health is the most important consideration and everyone at the club wishes him well.

“Cristian Stellini will assume first team duties.”

Speaking ahead of the Milan game Conte said he defied doctor’s orders to return, adding that he wasn’t at his fittest.

“The doctor’s recommendation is to stay calm for 15 days,” Conte revealed. “He had advised me not to return, but you have a sense of responsibility that you want to stay every moment with your players, to breathe the environment in every situation.

“I’m trying to manage it in the best way, certainly during the match I can’t let the players hear me as much as I would like. Now I’m feeling much better than before.

“I’m not still 100% but I think I’m recovering well, it’s very important for me to stay with the team, work with them and try to stay together in a difficult moment for us. Because in the last period we were not so lucky, because three surgeries — me and two surgeries for the players.

“In the last seven days we had four serious injuries. For this season, I think to stay together is very important and try to create the right spirit, to help each other much more than before to work together and overcome this difficult period.”