Antonio Conte is yet to return to Hotspur Way as Ryan Mason and Cristian Stellini take charge of a Tottenham training ground friendly against Ipswich, football.london understands.
Speculation is swirling around the future of Conte with many of his Spurs players expecting him to depart the club during this international break following his explosive tirade in Saturday's press conference following the 3-3 draw at Southampton. The Italian called his Tottenham players "selfish" and spoke of a 20-year culture at Tottenham that has allowed them to feel comfortable with the stress of winning silverware.
Conte often returns later in the first week of an international break as he spends time with his family at his Turin home in Italy. football.london understands that that remains the case this time and his coaching staff, including Ryan Mason and Cristian Stellini are taking charge as a Tottenham XI take on Ipswich in a training ground friendly at Hotspur Way with a handful of first teamers and plenty of U21s.
READ MORE: The inside story as Daniel Levy faces major decision to call time on Antonio Conte Tottenham era
Mason has been tipped as a potential interim successor to Conte, taking charge until the end of the season as he did after Jose Mourinho's departure in 2021.
After a couple of days off, only four fit outfield first team Spurs players have been around the training ground this week in the shape of Clement Lenglet, Lucas Moura, Japhet Tanganga and Arnaut Danjuma, along with goalkeepers Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman.
Hugo Lloris, Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ryan Sessegnon are all continuing their recoveries and are joined by Richarlison and Ben Davies, who came off against Southampton. The Welshman has a hamstring problem that will keep him out of action for between four to six weeks.
READ NEXT:
- The truths and flaws in Antonio Conte's explosive Tottenham tirade and Daniel Levy's decision
- Every word of Antonio Conte's remarkable and furious press conference about Tottenham
- Dazzling Djed Spence praised, Tanguy Ndombele scores, Destiny Udogie wins award and happy Winks
- Antonio Conte's awkward Tottenham return and Daniel Levy's familiar decision
- The £10bn businessman spotted speaking to Daniel Levy and issue with Harry Kane Tottenham exit
