ANTONIO CONTE has broken his silence after remaining in Italy for a post-operation check.
The Italian boss failed to fly home with Spurs after the club's 1-0 defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday.
And now the ex-Chelsea boss has released a statement hinting at a long lay-off to allow him to recover.
Taking to his Instagram, he said: "My great sense of responsibility towards the club, the players, the staff and the fans brought me to anticipate my comeback on field.
"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.
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"Who knows me, understands what a burden this is for me, but it is necessary. Come on you Spurs!"
Conte was rushed to hospital to undergo gallbladder surgery at the start of the month.
And he defied doctor's orders to take charge of the clash against Milan.
But following a post-op check, Conte will now remain in Italy at his family home while he completes his recovery.
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In a statement, Tottenham confirmed Cristian Stellini would assume first team duties in his absence.
Tottenham will be hoping to give Conte less of a headache by beating West Ham next weekend.
The North Londoners were soundly thrashed by Leicester in a 4-1 defeat in their last Prem fixture.
Providing Newcastle drop points against Liverpool, Tottenham could find themselves back in the top four with a win against West Ham.
Speaking after the match on Tuesday, Conte said: "Frankly speaking in the previous match (against Leicester) I was completely out.
"I have just had surgery and after two days my doctor told me I couldn't go, I couldn't make [the] effort.
"So in the previous match I was distant from the pitch. Cristian was there replacing me and was able to share my ideas with the team, he really helped me out a lot.
"I was wearing a medical device in that period, but I was still able to interact in a fair enough way with the team.
"I was not 100 per cent [in] my physical shape but in the next game I will be fit and try to give my contribution."
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