Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is expected to return to the UK on Wednesday after undergoing gallbladder surgery, according to a report.
Last week, it was announced that the 53-year-old needed an operation to remove the organ, having experienced "severe abdominal pain" following Spurs' 3-0 FA Cup win over Preston North End on January 28.
Conte returned to Italy to go under the knife, and he remained in his homeland following the successful procedure as Cristian Stellini took charge of Sunday's 1-0 victory over Manchester City.
Conte was never expected to return to the dugout for the visit of the Premier League champions, although reports had speculated that he could have watched on from the director's box.
In the end, the former Chelsea and Inter Milan head coach witnessed the win from home before congratulating his players over the phone in the dressing room, sending a special message to Harry Kane after the England captain scored a record-breaking 267th Spurs goal.
Speaking to the press after the game, Stellini revealed Conte's conversation with his players but could not give an exact date for his return, saying: "Yes we spoke with Antonio in the dressing room.
"Immediately when we arrived Antonio was on the phone and he say he was really happy. He gave compliments to everyone and especially to Harry for the record he achieved. It was amazing, he was really happy and he gave them the day off tomorrow. They enjoy a lot this moment."
According to the Daily Mail, the Spurs boss is due to fly back to the UK on Wednesday as the Lilywhites prepare for Saturday's Premier League clash with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
The report states that Conte could have returned on Monday in the best case scenario, but there is optimism that he will be back on the touchline for the trip to Leicester.
However, the 53-year-old is still yet to completely recover, and it remains to be seen how much of an active role he will be able to play in his side's next few days of training.
Tottenham have won 38, drawn 10 and lost 19 of their 67 games since Conte took over from Nuno Espirito Santo in 2021, but the 53-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season.
The North London giants are working to tie the Italian down to a new deal, but Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio recently claimed that Conte is "certain" to leave this summer.
Tottenham moved to within one point of fourth-placed Newcastle United with Sunday's win, and they will temporarily rise into the Champions League places should they beat Leicester this weekend.
However, Conte has been rocked by the news that captain Hugo Lloris will miss six to eight weeks with a knee injury, which he sustained towards the end of their win over Pep Guardiola's side.
Fraser Forster will deputise in goal while Lloris recovers from his ligament damage, and Tottenham are keeping their fingers crossed that the 36-year-old will not need to undergo surgery. body check tags ::
