Cristian Stellini has admitted that Son Heung-min was benched against West Ham last Sunday due to "a problem that he's had for a bit of time". Not enjoying the best of seasons with goals few and far between, the South Korean was introduced in the 68th minute and managed to wrap up all three points four minutes later with the second goal in their 2-0 win.
It was the second time that the 30-year-old had come off the bench this term to have a major impact on proceedings after previously netting a hat-trick against Leicester City back in October. His goal against West Ham does give Antonio Conte and Stellini something to think about ahead of this weekend's game against Chelsea, with Richarlison possibly the man to make way for Son if the Italian duo elect to bring him back in from the off.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the London derby, Stellini admitted that the decision to bench the attacker was down to conditioning as they look to get Tottenham's No.7 in the best possible position ahead of a busy period for the team.
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"The decision was about the condition of the players," said Stellini. "Richy had recovered 100 per cent, Son had a problem that he bring with him for a bit of time. Sometimes player that has a problem needs time to recover and be well prepared for the next period.
"In the next period we have four games in ten days and every game will be tough. We need every player 100 per cent, it will be tough and we need every player 100 per cent. If we have one player 100 per cent and another one 70 per cent, we have to choose the 100 per cent player."
Stellini also stated in his press conference that Conte is unlikely to return to the dugout for the Chelsea game but he is edging ever closer to his comeback.
"No, I don't think so," he admitted. "It is not the moment but he is very close because I feel also his energy. We have a call three time a day, also in the evenings so absolutely I feel Antonio like he is here."
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