Tottenham manager Antonio Conte 'fine' after positive COVID-19 test, expects to work Brighton clash

Tottenham Hotspur have notched four consecutive victories to leapfrog North London rivals Arsenal for fourth place in the Premier League table but shared worrisome news Wednesday when they announced that manager Antonio Conte had tested positive for COVID-19 after he experienced symptoms of the virus following last Saturday's 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa. 

It was said ahead of Thursday's media availability conducted virtually that Conte was free of symptoms, and he told reporters he expects to be back on the bench for this Saturday's home league match versus Brighton & Hove Albion. 

"I attended the training session, but from distance," Conte said of preparations for the upcoming fixture, per Declan Olley of Sky Sports. "I had my staff and they did a really good job." 

Gianluca, Conte's brother, reportedly handled video analysis, while assistants Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason have been running physical training sessions. 

"A day after the game against Aston Villa I started to feel mild symptoms, a bit of a pain in my throat and I asked for a COVID test, and it was positive, but now I'm fine and well," Conte continued. 

"This week was a strange week for me and also for the players because the players are used to having training sessions with me and not only with my staff, but it's okay because my staff are doing a great job. I think on Saturday I [can] stay on my place on the bench, and given the length of time since my COVID test, I think that I could stay on the bench on Saturday."

Every game moving forward is vital for Tottenham as they look to secure a top-four finish and UEFA Champions League football for next season. They are currently three points clear of Arsenal, but the Gunners hold a game in hand. 

Arsenal face Southampton on Saturday.