'Not available': Conte says 'magnificent' Spurs star won't play v Everton

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has confirmed that Dejan Kulusevski is still unavailable.

The Spurs attacker has missed his side’s last four matches after suffering a hamstring injury on international duty.

There was renewed optimism over Kulusevski’s fitness in midweek.

Conte, speaking after the Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt, said he’d probably be available for the weekend.

However, this is now not the case, with the Tottenham boss calling for “patience” over the 22-year-old.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Everton, Conte told football.london: “We are the same players of the last game.

“Deki is still not available for the game against Everton. The rest of the players are okay.”

Asked about the time-frame for Kulusevski’s return, Conte replied: “I think we need to have a bit of patience with him.

“Don’t take stupid risks, because we have to play a lot of games from now until November.

“It will be very important to recover him very well.

“At this moment, he’s not 100% sure to be really fit, to be in perfect physical condition.

“For this reason it’s good to respect the opinion of the doctors of the players.”

Conte doing the right thing – TBR View

While it’s disappointing that Kulusevski won’t be playing on Saturday, Conte is certainly doing the right thing.

There’s no point risking the “magnificent” winger in the next game if there’s the possibility he could aggravate his injury.

Besides, Richarlison – who had an injury scare in midweek – will be available, so it’s not as though Conte will be short of quality in attack.