Tottenham manager Antonio Conte reveals positive injury news ahead of Newcastle clash

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte is a happy man following news that all his players returned to N17 after international duty without picking up injuries.

The Italian manager will return to Premier League action on Sunday, with Spurs taking on Newcastle United who are hoping for a win that will all but guarantee their survival.

For Tottenham, it’s an opportunity to keep the chase for top four going and pump up the pressure on bitter rivals Arsenal, who don’t play until Monday night at Selhurst Park.

International breaks in the past have brought Tottenham headaches, with players often returning with knocks, injuries or having to quarantine due to Covid, but none of that has been recorded this time around.

Their fiery Italian manager, who has spoken positively about the progress and development in his team after wins against Brighton and West Ham, admitted he was delighted that injured players like Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon were making giant strides in trying to get back to full fitness.

What Conte said about returning players

The Tottenham manager - who was very lively throughout the press conference - said he was happy to return to training after the short break, and admitted that his injured players were looking healthier by the day.

“Good news for Oliver, Skippy, and Ryan Sessegnon, they are very very close to being back with the team. They are improving a lot,” he said.

“They are having important training sessions, not with the team but apart. I hope next week to have both players back with the team.”

Tottenham still in with a chance to qualify for the Champions League

Despite a very challenging season, Tottenham could still finish in the top four - having recorded important wins recently which see them just three points behind Arsenal.

There is also the outstanding North London derby that will prove absolutely crucial given the nature of the season.

With no European or domestic cup competition to distract them, Spurs will hope that they have had enough training and their tanks are full to be able to secure important wins against Newcastle, Aston Villa and Brighton Hove and Albion in their next three Premier League games.

The importance of Champions League football

Conte has been used to competing for the league title, but he arrived at Tottenham with the club in crisis.

After what has been a very difficult start he’s found some stability and says it will be pivotal for the next stage of his project if the team can snatch that all important Champions League spot.

He added: “I think we have to try to fight until the end to have the possibility to reach this target.

“I think to play in the Champions League next season is important for me, important for the players and the fans.

“To play in the Champions League is completely different to the Europa League and Conference League.

“It’s a different target for the club because you can plan for important things.”