MY ACCOUNT
Tottenham’s stand-in boss Cristian Stellini expects Antonio Conte to return to the club within the next week.
Conte had gallbladder surgery at the start of February after experiencing severe abdominal pain and took a short break from Spurs to begin his recovery.
The Italian returned to duties, but after having his recovery progress checked out, it was decided he would need more time away from frontline work.
Stellini, who oversaw Spurs’ 2-0 Premier League win over Chelsea on Sunday, told BBC Sport: “Our desire was to win, play a great game and to fight for every ball.
“We are happy for the fans, the club and, of course, for us and Antonio, who is still at home.
“My expectation is that Antonio will be back next week.”
Oliver Skipp got Spurs on their way against the Blues 19 seconds into the second half, before Harry Kane sealed all three points in the 82nd minute.
Skipp’s goal was his first for the club in what was his 67th appearance, and Stellini was full of praise for the midfielder.
“Brilliant moment Skipp and one that we expected for one year because it has been one year he stayed far from the pitch,” he added.
“Last season with physical problems and this year for tactical decisions.
“He is ready because he has trained a lot and pushed himself. He is an amazing guy and great player.
“A player like Skippy has to understand that if he trains a lot he will have possibilities to show his value.”
Kane’s effort saw him become one of only two players to score 20 or more goals in each of the last nine seasons in all competitions for clubs in Europe’s big five leagues, along with Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.
The Spurs skipper said: “Chelsea have been a difficult opponent for us over the last few years.
“So it’s a really important win to keep us around fourth. Overall I thought we deserved the win.
“First half both teams created a few half chances. We struggled with our pressure a bit and sorted that out second half.
“I think we just showed a bit more quality in the final third and whenever you break the deadlock it helps open the game up. Another clean sheet, two goals, so overall a good home performance.”
