Antonio Conte has admitted injuries to Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison have left Tottenham Hotspur in a “very difficult” situation ahead of today’s meeting with Newcastle United.
Kulusevski was expected to be available this time after picking up a hamstring problem against Sweden last month, but a recent setback means he remains on the sidelines.
With Richarlison also unavailable with a calf injury, Conte admitted it was all about keeping key duo Harry Kane and Son Heung-min fit during a busy period where they play once every three days until November 12.
“Certainly these types of situations create a great, great difficulty,” he said.
“For me too, we’re crossing our fingers because at the moment we have Harry and Sonny in good health. I hope they continue to stay or I’ll have to think about wearing my shoes to play!
“We know the difficulties of the season with the club. Now to complain I don’t think it’s right or fair. When you go to play in the Champions League, especially if you play in the Premier League, you have to know that you will have a difficult season because of injuries, because of massive games, because of players who get tired.
“Sometimes you can rest, sometimes you have to force the situation and risk injury. This situation is part of the process for a club like Tottenham to understand very well how to deal with this strong situation.”
With the club’s season break just three weeks away, Conte urged Spurs’ medical team to try and help Kulusevski recover as soon as possible.
He added: “I think we have to wait a little bit to see him with us.
“Yes (I am worried) because his recovery was going well and one day the situation got worse.
“Then when this type of situation happens, you have to restart. You need time, but we have the medical service to deal with injury situations and they have to solve the situation in a short period of time because you know if you are well to solve the situation in a short period, it means points on the table”.
Spurs suffered a humiliating 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on Wednesday.
Conte described the Old Trafford club as a “monster” opponent in the build-up to the midweek fixture and has warned Newcastle could soon be on the same terms due to their support from the Public Investment Fund Saudi Arabia
“You have to consider Newcastle for the present and for the future as a danger,” insisted the Italian.
“As a dangerous team for the top position, for the Champions League position, for the fight to win trophies. For sure Newcastle also needed a bit of time, but they have the potential to enter the market, and that too have done this summer – become one of the best teams in England.
“For that reason, a lot of clubs have to pay close attention because, in my opinion, I see Newcastle in the future becoming really dangerous.”