Antonio Conte set for return against Leicester City after surgery

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has returned to London after successful surgery on his gallbladder, according to the Daily Mail.

Journalist Alasdair Gold hinted earlier this week that the Italian would be back for their upcoming Premier League game against Leicester City.

Conte is still recovering from the surgery procedure, and it is unclear how involved he can be in the team’s preparations to face the Foxes on Saturday.

The former Inter Milan and Chelsea boss was absent as Tottenham beat Manchester City 1-0 last weekend, with his assistant Cristian Stellini taking charge.

The news of Conte’s return will help to soften the blow of Hugo Lloris’ absence. The former France international suffered a knee injury against City and had to receive treatment.

Lloris will reportedly miss up to eight weeks of action. The 36-year-old will miss several crucial games, including both legs of the round of 16 Champions League tie against AC Milan.

He is also ruled out of league games against London rivals West Ham United and Chelsea.

Fraser Forster will likely deputise for the Spurs captain. The former Celtic and Southampton keeper joined the club in the summer transfer window and will be keen to take his chance.

The 34-year-old has bags of experience in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership. Brandon Austin or Alfie Whiteman will be on the bench over the coming weeks.

Tottenham play Leicester on Saturday aiming to climb back into the Champions League qualification places.

Manchester United recently knocked Spurs down to fifth place and they face a battle to climb above Erik ten Hag’s in-form Red Devils.