Antonio Conte still absent from Tottenham training after missing friendly

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Antonio Conte still absent from Tottenham training after missing friendly

Antonio Conte was not present at Tottenham training on Thursday, with assistants Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason taking charge of the session.

Conte jetted off back to Italy shortly after his explosive press conference in the aftermath of Spurs' 3-3 draw with Southampton, heading off for a break after questioning the mentality of his players and the wider club in general.

The Athletic note that Conte missed a behind-closed-doors friendly against Ipswich Town on Thursday, with Stellini and Mason leading the team in his absence.

Conte is no stranger to stepping away during the first week of any international break but will have done little to cool the uncertainty surrounding his future by staying in Italy.

90min understands that chairman Daniel Levy is considering his options during the international break, with a number of staff at the club feeling as though Conte's position at the club is untenable following his press conference.

Should Levy opt to sack Conte, he could turn to Mason once again. The former midfielder took charge on an interim basis following the departure of Jose Mourinho, overseeing seven games at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

A decision will have to be made before the end of the international break. Spurs are set to take on Everton on April 3 as they seek to avoid losing a grip on their spot in the top four.

Spurs currently sit fourth, two points ahead of Newcastle in fifth, but Conte's side have played two games more than the teams around them.