Absent Conte up for prize

ANTONIO CONTE is expected to be nominated for Premier League manager of the month even though all three of Tottenham’s wins in February were achieved without him.

The only time Conte was in the dugout for a league fixture last month was when Spurs were thrashed 4-1 at Leicester. Assistant Cristian Stellini oversaw the wins over Manchester City, West Ham and Chelsea because Conte was recovering in Italy from gallbladder surgery. Only a manager can be nominated for the award and Stellini said: ‘Antonio was still with us, so if this happens, I am happy for him.’ Conte is to return for Saturday’s trip to Wolves.