01 February 2023 , 10:11
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Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte is to have his gallbladder removed on Wednesday after suffering from "severe abdominal pain" earlier this morning.
The Italian could be absent for up to a couple of weeks following the surgery and his assistant Cristian Stellini is expected to take charge of Sunday's Premier League fixture against Manchester City.
"Antonio recently became unwell with severe abdominal pain," a Spurs statement said. "Following a diagnosis of cholecystitis, he will be undergoing surgery to remove his gallbladder today (Wednesday) and will return following a period of recuperation. Everyone at the club wishes him well."
Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder and it typically takes about a month to recover fully from surgery to have it removed.
Conte will be determined to return as soon as possible but there is a chance that he will miss the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie away to Milan on February 14.
Conte posts health update as doctor details Tottenham manager's likely absence
Spurs must also face Leicester away before the San Siro visit, with league derbies at home to West Ham and Chelsea to follow.
Cristian Stellini and Antonio Conte (Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)Tottenham will likely provide an update on Conte's condition post-surgery and confirm if Stellini will be in charge during his recovery.
Conte's squad was last night bolstered by the arrival of Spain right wing back Pedro Porro, initially on loan from Sporting Lisbon but with an obligation to buy him in the summer for £39m. He is expected to make his debut against Premier League champions City on Sunday.
Matt Doherty was released from his contract before signing for Atletico Madrid.