Tottenham boss Antonio Conte returns to England

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has travelled back the UK from Italy on Wednesday, having recently taken time off to undergo gallbladder surgery.

Conte became unwell with cholecystitis in late January, an illness where gallstones cause inflammation of the gallbladder leading to severe abdominal pain.

The Spurs boss underwent surgery in Turin to remove his gallbladder last week and remained in the city, where his family continues to be based, to recuperate. Once the operation had been completed, he quickly informed fans of its success.

Conte has also stayed in touch throughout his time off and was on the phone to Harry Kane within minutes of the final whistle at the end of the weekend’s victory over Manchester City – a game which saw Kane break Jimmy Greaves’ record to become Spurs’ all-time leading goalscorer.

At this moment in time, it remains unclear what kind of role Conte will have in the build-up to the team’s Premier League clash with Leicester on Saturday. But there remains hope that he will be with the squad at the King Power Stadium.

Assistant coach Cristian Stellini has been taking charge in his absence.

Since losing the north London derby to Arsenal and throwing away a 2-0 half-time lead against Manchester City, Spurs have won their last two Premier League games to go within a point of the top four, albeit having played a game more than the clubs directly above them.

After the Leicester game, Conte will return to Italy with his team as Spurs take on AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.