ANTONIO CONTE was missing from the Spurs dugout again on Sunday, as Tottenham saw off West Ham in North London.
His assistant Cristian Stellini led the team to victory – keeping up his unbeaten record at the helm.
Cristian Stellini took charge of Spurs again against West HamGetty
After the game, Stellini was asked when Conte would be back, as the Italian continues his recovery from surgery.
And he revealed his boss could be back in time for the Wolves game on March 4.
“No, I am not expecting Antonio is back for Chelsea but I expect Antonio will be back the week after Chelsea. For Milan or Wolverhampton,” Stellini revealed.
“We have also the game in the FA Cup so maybe not Chelsea but we don’t know, because if Antonio feels well and he can live some stress without some pain or feel something strange, Antonio will be back.”
Conte underwent a procedure to remove his gallblader.
He returned to work to take charge of Spurs’ games against Leicester City and AC Milan.
However, the Premier League-winner admitted he returned to work too soon.
Following medical advice, he has decided to remain in Italy until his body recovers.
Spurs said in a statement: “Following a routine post-operation check in Italy yesterday, Antonio Conte will remain at his family home to recover from his recent surgery.
“Health is the most important consideration and everyone at the Club wishes him well. Cristian Stellini will assume First Team duties.”
Second half goals from Emerson Royal and Son Heung-min were enough to win Sunday’s London derby against the Hammers.
The vital victory moved Spurs above Newcastle and back into the top four, albeit having played a game more than the Toon.
It also meant Stellini maintained his 100 per cent record when deputising for Conte.
Antonio Conte could return to the Tottenham dugout on March 4Rex
Previously he oversaw wins against Marseille and Manchester City, while he also managed three wins with Inter Milan when Conte couldn’t be on the sidelines in Serie A.
When asked about his record, Stellini said: “No, this happen because Antonio is the gaffer, not because I am the gaffer. I only follow the project of his work and the way he works is really clear.
“I follow this and I use my experience and I use lot of the staff because we work in a team and we work very well. I am very happy to work with all of them, especially Ryan [Mason] because he helped me a lot.”