Conte to miss upcoming Spurs games for health reasons

has announced that

will miss Sunday's

 game against West Ham as he continues his recovery from gallbladder surgery.

Tottenham said in a statement on Thursday:

"Following a routine post-operation check in Italy yesterday, Antonio Conte will remain at his family home to further and fully recover from his recent gallbladder surgery.

"Health is the most important consideration and everyone at the club wishes him well. Cristian Stellini will assume first-team responsibility.”

Conte removed his gallbladder after experiencing severe abdominal pain last week. He missed the victory against Manchester City, but returned to the bench for the game against Leicester City last Saturday. Conte was also available for the game against Milan, which ended with a 1-0 defeat for his team.

The Italian coach sent a message to the fans on his Instagram page and explained why he’s staying in Italy to recover.

“My great sense of responsibility towards the club, the players, the staff and the fans pushed me to speed up my return. Unfortunately, I underestimated the surgery, which was not routine, but a serious and unexpected emergency.

“My body suffered and now I am forced to stop again until my full recovery.

“Those who know me know how much this hurts, but now it is necessary. Come on you Spurs!”

After the game against West Ham, Tottenham will face Chelsea and then Sheffield United in the FA Cup. They will face Milan in the second leg of the Champions League last 16 round on March 8.

Tottenham is in fifth place in the table with 39 points after 23 matches. They are two points behind fourth-placed team Newcastle, who have a game in hand.

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