Antonio Conte feeling ‘fine’ and expecting to return for Tottenham’s clash against Brighton

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is hopeful he will be on the bench for Saturday’s clash with Brighton.

Conte tested positive for Covid-19 last weekend and he has been distancing from the Spurs squad, who have trained without him.

The Italian, however, is feeling “fine” and is hoping that he can be in the dugout on Saturday lunchtime.

Spurs have won four Premier League games in a row and are looking to extend their lead in fourth place over rivals Arsenal.

“I had my staff, they did a really good job after the game against Aston Villa (4-0 away win) and the day after I started to feel a bit of mild symptoms, a bit of pain in my throat,” said Conte.

“I asked to have a COVID test and it was positive, but now I’m fine. I’m well and for sure this was a strange week for me and the players, they are used to having sessions with me, but it’s OK because my staff are doing a great job.

“I think on Saturday I will be able to be with my players on the bench given the length of time from my COVID test.”

Tottenham beat Aston Villa 4-0 in their last game, but the win was marred by Matt Doherty suffering a knee injury.

The wing-back, who has been back to his best recently, is due to miss the rest of the season and Conte admitted his absence is a blow.

“I think the first visit with the doctor said he can recover without surgery,” Conte said. “Seven to eight weeks before he recovers. For this reason, his season has finished.

“This is really bad news for us. We know very well the improvement in our team and it’s a pity to lose a player like him for the rest of the season.

“Also (defender Japhet) Tanganga and (midfielder Oliver) Skipp are not available for us.

“Bad news for us on one hand, but on the other hand I think we have solutions to try and cope with the situation until the end of the season.”

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