Cristian Stellini has revealed that Antonio Conte won't be in the Tottenham dugout vs Sheffield United and that his return date will be determined by the doctor. Undergoing surgery to remove his gallbladder at the start of the month, the 53-year-old was absent for the Premier League home win over Man City but returned to their Hotspur Way base four days later ahead of the trip to Leicester City.
Taking his place in the dugout at the King Power Stadium but having a backseat role with Stellini the one shouting instructions from the touchline, Conte was again in the technical area for the Champions League defeat at AC Milan. However, it was confirmed two days after the loss at the San Siro that he would remain in his homeland to fully recover from his surgery following a post-operation check.
Watching on from home but still playing a key role in the West Ham and Chelsea wins, Stellini indicated to the BBC after the victory over the Blues that Conte would return "this week". Facing the media once again to preview the FA Cup fifth round tie away at Sheffield United, the Spurs assistant head coach opened up on Conte's return date.
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"Yeah, I think this week he'll be back," outlined Stellini. "He's not in charge for this game but our doctor decides the right moment for Antonio to be back.
"It's a question for our medical department because they check with the doctor who did the surgery, they check today every day for the right day for Antonio to come back and I think it will be this week."
Pressed on squad news for the FA Cup tie at Bramall Lane, he said: "No, no fresh injuries. All the players are good. It's normal after two days that there's players who have to recover more. The squad is the same."
He added: "We will pick the right team to play a great match and we can win also by making some changes. We completely trust all the players we have so we can make changes and nothing has to change.
"Last season we knew very well that we were disappointed after the match in Middlesbrough. Now we're in a momentum where players have to take responsibility to follow this momentum.
"Me as well, Ryan Mason and all the staff, we are all working hard. So we expect tomorrow it will not be easy. It will be tough for sure but we have the possibility to play a good game and win the game with all the players."
Tottenham have fared well in Conte's absence having won all three of their Premier League games. It has been reported by the Evening Standard that the Italian will be on the shortlist for February's manager of the month award despite his time away from N17.
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