Antonio Conte offers health update after stepping back from duties

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has admitted he may have attempted to return to work too early after surgery and is now paying for his ‘impatience’ after stepping back from his duties once again.

Conte underwent emergency gallbladder removal surgery earlier this month and left the team in charge of assistant Cristian Stellini, before resuming control of the team for the recent games against Leicester and AC Milan.

However, Spurs confirmed on Thursday that Conte would once again step out of the limelight after the results of a post-surgery check-up suggested he needed more recovery time.

“My great sense of responsibility towards the club, the players, the staff and the fans brought me to anticipate my comeback on the field,” the Spurs boss wrote on Instagram.

“Sadly I underestimated the procedure, which wasn’t a routine operation, but a sudden and serious emergency.

“My body has suffered my impatience and now I am forced to stop until my entire recovery. Who knows me understands what a burden this is for me, but it is necessary. Come on you Spurs.”

Once again, Stellini will take charge of Tottenham in Conte’s absence, and no time frame has been put on the boss’ recovery.

It was under Stellini that Spurs beat Manchester City earlier this month and the assistant manager will hope for a similar result in Sunday’s London derby against West Ham.