Antonio Conte admits he is wary of potential ‘disaster’ following Tottenham’s Covid-enforced break, as he prepares his side to face Liverpool this weekend.
Spurs welcome Liverpool to the capital on Sunday, in what will be the north Londoner’s first fixture since December 5, having seen each of their past three games postponed as a result of a Covid-19 outbreak in Conte’s squad.
Conte has been discussing the challenges of dealing with the outbreak ahead of the clash, with Spurs having recorded a record number of Premier League positives during last week’s testing.
The Italian says his team selection will be impacted by the recovery of his squad, insisting he would be risking ‘disaster’ to rush back players recently positive with the virus.
“When the players are back from Covid, for sure you have to pay great attention. You can’t give them the same charge of work as other players. You have to pay attention. If you want everything very soon, you risk injuries. In this situation you have to take the risk and at the same time pay great attention. They need time to be fit.
“Also, before picking the starting XI you have to take into consideration all of this.
“For instance, to start with one player and after 60 or 70 minutes change him with one player who had Covid. In this situation, it’s important to have patience and take the right risk.
“Every one of us would like to pick the best players, the best starting XI, but they need a bit of time to have good form, to be fit and not risk an injury. Otherwise, it would be a disaster.”
