Tottenham assistant head coach Cristian Stellini has indicated that he is expecting Antonio Conte to return to the Spurs dugout after next Sunday's Premier League clash against Chelsea. Returning to Hotspur Way just over a week ago following his recent gallbladder surgery, Conte was back in charge of the team for the defeats against Leicester City and AC Milan.
However, it was confirmed by the club on Thursday that he would be remaining in Italy to rest and recuperate after a post-operation check one day after their Champions League defeat in the San Siro. Only going to return to his Tottenham duties once he is 100 per cent ready to do so, Stellini believes it could potentially be either the Sheffield United FA Cup game, the trip to Wolves or the return leg against AC Milan when he is back with the team once again.
"No, I am not expecting Antonio is back for Chelsea but I expect Antonio will be back the week after Chelsea. For Milan or Wolverhampton.," said the Italian in his post-match press conference.
READ MORE: Tottenham player ratings vs West Ham: Emerson Royal stars, Son back with a bang as Skipp shines
"We have also the game in the FA Cup so maybe not Chelsea but we don't know, because if Antonio feels well and he can live some stress without some pain or feel something strange, Antonio will be back."
Asked about his 100 per cent record when in charge of Tottenham, Stellini said: "No, this happen because Antonio is the gaffer, not because I am the gaffer. I only follow the project of his work and the way he works is really clear.
"I follow this and I use my experience and I use lot of the staff because we work in a team and we work very well. I am very happy to work with all of them, especially Ryan [Mason] because he helped me a lot."
READ NEXT:
Cristian Stellini reveals big Ryan Mason strength and tips Tottenham coach to become a manager
Cristian Stellini admits he felt guilty about Antonio Conte pain and stress on Tottenham return
Gil, Parrott, Scarlett and Udogie goals, Rodon hooked and Winks nickname - Tottenham loan latest
Harry Kane gives Pape Matar Sarr and Oliver Skipp verdict amid Antonio Conte's Tottenham trust
Daniel Levy admits transfer mistakes as Tottenham reveal financial results
