Spurs take on Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday in the Premier League and just before this match, Antonio Cone had tested positive.
Earlier this week, there were reports that the Spurs boss is currently isolating after picking up COVID and immediately, there were doubts if he will be available in the dugout for Saturday’s game or not.
The Italian though has doused all fears claiming that he is almost fully recovered and will be present on pitchside this weekend when Tottenham welcome the Seagulls.
He said in his pre-match press conference: “I had mild symptoms after the game against Aston Villa on Saturday, mild pain in the throat, then I wanted to have a COVID test, and I was positive.
“I’m fine now, I’m well, and it’s okay. I attended training sessions this week from a distance, because I didn’t want to take any risks with the players, for their safety. My staff did a really good job, I trust in my staff, they are well prepared. The situation is under control. I’ll be okay for Saturday. I’ll be on the bench, in my place.”
On the injury front though things are not looking good for the Spurs boss because he is already without Oliver Skipp and Japhet Tanganga and now even Matt Doherty has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
“This is really bad news for us because, as you know well, Matthew was improving game by game and becoming a really important player for us,” said Antonio. “He had great confidence. But, in football, this kind of situation can happen, an injury, now we’ve lost him for the rest of the season.
Speedy recovery, @mattdoherty20 💙🍀 #COYS pic.twitter.com/CL7fiMwaRR
— Talking THFC (@TalkingTHFC) April 10, 2022
“It’s a pity, a pity for him, and we are very disappointed. Now, we have to find the best solution. We have Emerson, Sergio Reguilon, Sessegnon in the squad, and we have to try to do our best until the end of the season.”
Conte does have a backup in the form of Emerson Royal so the injury to Doherty will not be an immediate concern for the manager but as the season rolls along, rotating players will be a headache for him.
The Spurs boss does not have a massive squad at his disposal and if there are one or two more unexpected injuries then Tottenham’s top-four challenge could crumble just like their North London rivals.
