Why is Antonio Conte not on the touchline for Tottenham against West Ham?

TOTTENHAM will be desperate to get back to winning ways against London rivals West Ham – but they’ll have to do it WITHOUT their boss Antonio Conte.

Spurs narrowly lost their Champions League first leg encounter against AC Milan at the San Siro.

Reuters

Antonio Conte is not in the dugout for Tottenham’s match against Man City[/caption]

And it meant that the North London outfit has now lost consecutive fixtures after being humiliated by Leicester last week.

But Tottenham have the perfect opportunity to bounce back against West Ham who are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table.

However, Antonio Conte is unavailable in the dugout leaving Cristian Stellini in charge for the huge Premier League encounter.

Why is Antonio Conte not on the touchline?

Antonio Conte was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday, February 1 to undergo surgery after suffering from severe abdominal pain.

Tottenham confirmed that their manager has been diagnosed with cholecystitis which is inflammation of the gallbladder.

A Spurs statement read: “Antonio Conte recently became unwell with severe abdominal pain.

“Following a diagnosis of cholecystitis, he will be undergoing surgery to remove his gallbladder today and will return following a period of recuperation.

“Everyone at the Club wishes him well.”

Who will be replacing him?

Antonio Conte’s assistant Cristian Stellini is set to be on the touchline for Spurs’ match against West Ham.

The pair have worked together for many of years including a stint in 2012 at Juventus.