Why is Antonio Conte not on the touchline for Tottenham against West Ham?
TOTTENHAM will be desperate to secure a win over London rivals Chelsea – but they’ll have to do it WITHOUT their boss Antonio Conte.
Spurs comfortably beat West Ham in their last Premier League fixture.
And it meant that the North London outfit jumped above Newcastle in to fourth.
Spurs will be hoping to make it consecutive London derby wins.
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.
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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.