Antonio Conte fears Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski may not be back until AFTER the World Cup with a hamstring issue, costing his side ‘points’ – and jokes he may he to lace up the boots HIMSELF if any more stars get injured!
- Antonio Conte says Dejan Kulusevski may not return until after the World Cup
- He revealed the Tottenham winger’s recovery from a hamstring issue ‘worsened’
- The Italian, 53, rued that the Swedish star’s absence could cost his team ‘points’
- And he joked he may have to play himself if they get any more players ruled out
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Antonio Conte has revealed Dejan Kulusevski may not be back to full fitness until after the World Cup.
The Tottenham winger has not played since mid-September due a hamstring issue.
And Italian manager Conte admitted his worry that the Swedish star may not be back until the tournament finishes in late December.
Antonio Conte says Dejan Kulusevski may not be back to full fitness until after the World Cup
The news comes as a blow to Tottenham manager Conte (above), who has missed his creativity
He said: ‘Yeah. His recovery was going well and then one day the situation worsened. When this happens you have to restart. You need time, you need time.
‘We have the medical department to face injury situations and they have to face it in a short period. If you are good to solve it in a quick way then it can mean points.
‘When you have a Kulusevski injury and Richarlison. Lucas is not ready to start and then for sure this type of situation creates you a big difficulty.
Richarlison (right), sometimes used on the right wing, is injured as well with a calf problem, and his Brazilian compatriot Lucas Moura (left) is ‘not ready to start’, claims Italian boss Conte
‘We have in this moment Harry and Sonny in good health. (Laughs) Fingers crossed, I hope to continue otherwise I have to put on the shoes to play!’
In Kulusevski’s absence, Conte has tried Richarlison on the right wing, before reverting to a 3-5-2 formation with Yves Bissouma in midfield against Manchester United on Wednesday, a game they lost 2-0 as they missed Kulusevski’s creativity.
Conte’s men host high-flying Newcastle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon knowing the Magpies will be just two points behind them if they slip up.