Amid uncertain times at Tottenham, Hugo Lloris expresses happiness at being ‘back on the pitch’

Tottenham’s captain, Hugo Lloris, remains hopeful of returning to the pitch after suffering a knee injury against Manchester City on February 5th. Despite Lloris’ return to a behind-closed-doors friendly, which he played for 45 minutes, it is uncertain whether he will play again for Antonio Conte, leaving his future with the club in question.

With the club looking to salvage a top-four Premier League finish, a decision on Conte’s future is expected to be made by chairman Daniel Levy and the board. Facing up to another trophyless campaign has put the status of Italian coach Conte in the spotlight. The 53-year-old, whose current contract will expire in the summer, launched an explosive rant following last Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Southampton ahead of the international break in which he questioned the culture of a club who have “never won something”. He also took aim at his own “selfish players” after they let a two-goal lead slip.

If Conte departs, it has been reported that Spurs are considering a move for Julian Nagelsmann, who was dismissed by German giants Bayern Munich on Friday afternoon and replaced by former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. Former RB Leipzig boss Nagelsmann had previously been on Spurs’ radar following the departure of Jose Mourinho. Nuno Espirito Santo was eventually appointed, but then lasted less than four months before Conte arrived in early November 2021.