Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has admitted that he "underestimated" how much time he would need to recover from gallbladder surgery as he continues his rehabilitation in Italy.
The 53-year-old had to have the organ removed in his homeland earlier this month after experiencing severe abdominal pain following Spurs' FA Cup win over Preston North End in January.
As a result, Cristian Stellini was left in charge for Spurs' 1-0 win over Manchester City on February 5 before Conte returned for the weekend's embarrassing 4-1 loss against Leicester City.
The Italian also experienced a miserable return to San Siro on Tuesday as AC Milan won the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie 1-0, during which he did not appear to be moving completely comfortably.
Tottenham subsequently announced on Thursday morning that Conte would need to remain in Italy to continue his recovery following a post-operation health check, and it is unclear how long he will be away from the touchline for.
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However, Conte will definitely miss Sunday's London derby against West Ham United, and it remains to be seen if he can return to meet former club Chelsea on February 26.
"Following a routine post-operation check in Italy yesterday, Antonio Conte will remain at his family home to recover from his recent surgery," Tottenham said on Twitter.
"Health is the most important consideration and everyone at the club wishes him well. Cristian Stellini will assume First Team duties."
Following the news of Conte's setback, the Spurs boss took to his own social media account to provide more clarity on the situation, admitting that his "impatience" got the better of him.
"My great sense of responsibility towards the club, the players, the staff and the fans brought me to anticipate my comeback on the field," Conte said in an Instagram story.
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"Sadly, I underestimated the procedure, which wasn't a routine operation, but a sudden and serious emergency.
"My body has suffered my impatience, and now I am forced to stop until my entire recovery. Who knows me, understands what a burden this is for me, but it is necessary. Come On You SPURS!"
In Conte's absence, Stellini will aim to record a third victory from three games as interim Tottenham manager, firstly engineering a 2-1 win over Marseille in the Champions League in November while Conte was suspended.
That result confirmed Spurs' place in the knockout rounds as group winners, but the injury-hit Lilywhites succumbed to a Brahim Diaz winner on Tuesday and will welcome Milan to North London for the second leg on March 8.
Tottenham's recent Premier League loss to Leicester has left the Lilywhites fifth in the table, but they will break into the top four with a win over West Ham if Newcastle United lose to Liverpool on Saturday.
Ben Knapton
