Antonio Conte's recent absence from Tottenham due to recovery from gallbladder surgery did not change his mind about his future at the club amid reports of a contractual impasse.

Conte was back in the hot seat on Tuesday as Spurs held their pre-match press conference before Wednesday's Champions League last-16 second leg against Milan.

Spurs revealed Conte was set for a period of leave on February 1 after a sudden illness required the emergency removal of his gallbladder.

He returned to work just eight days later but was then signed off again on February 16, with Conte acknowledging he underestimated how long his body needed to recover.

The visit of Milan will be Conte's first game back at the helm, assuming control again from Cristian Stellini, but it comes following strong rumours claiming he will not be staying beyond the end of the season when his contract ends.

Conte sounded committed upon his return but did not directly discuss his future and his comments hinted at there being no movement.

"This type of situation can happen and I discovered after the surgery that many of my friends had the same surgery," he told reporters.

"This was emergency surgery, not planned, and that's very different. Previously a lot of sad news happened and when [the doctors] told me that I had only [needed] surgery, for this reason I was happy, because you never know what could happen.

"This doesn't change my mind. Now, I repeat that I have to stay with the players and breathe the atmosphere of the training ground."

Results for Spurs have been mixed over the past five weeks or so since Conte initially took time off.

The lowest moment, however, came last week when Championship side Sheffield United knocked them out of the FA Cup.

Conte wanted to return after that embarrassment for Spurs but was blocked by doctors.

"I wanted to come back after the game against Sheffield United but the doctors stopped me," he continued.

"They said, 'you have to listen to us and wait two days more and come back to London on Sunday for the game against Milan'. But honestly, I wanted to come back early."

Despite Spurs' lack of on-pitch consistency and Conte's own off-field frustrations, he appeared to be in high spirits as Tottenham look to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit.

He added: "[Monday] was positive. My feeling was really good. It's important for me to work with my players and the staff and prepare for the games.

"From afar I tried to stay very close with my players using video. To be present is totally different and for this reason I have to say thanks to my whole staff. They did a really good job and the players to stay for three weeks without the manager wasn't easy.

"Now I'm back and I'm really happy. We want to go to the next round and for tomorrow I hope to feel an amazing atmosphere in our stadium. Our fans give us a major boost and we're playing against the team that won the league in Italy last season."

Son Heung-min also recognised the significance of Conte's return from the players' perspectives, with the former Inter coach bringing with him his trademark boisterousness.

"It's important," he said. "I'm glad that the manager is sitting next to me.

"He brings good energy to the team. When the boss isn't here it's different. We could feel that energy and his passion on the touchline [in training on Monday]. We'll feel more comfortable."

Alejandro Garnacho is the latest Manchester United player to offer a public apology for the humiliating 7-0 defeat to Liverpool.

United's Premier League hammering at Anfield on Sunday was their joint-worst defeat ever, alongside losses by the same scoreline to Wolves in 1931, Aston Villa in 1930 and Blackburn Rovers in 1926.

That it came against their fiercest rivals made it even tougher to swallow for United fans, who had seen their side end a six-year trophy drought with EFL Cup glory a week before.

Following apologies from David de Gea and Luke Shaw, Garnacho – who was brought on after an hour with the Red Devils 3-0 down – has posted a message of his own on social media.

"We are so sorry," he said. "We will give you a reaction on Thursday, Reds."

United will be aiming for a swift response in that Europa League last-16 first-leg home tie with Real Betis on Thursday, with defeat to Liverpool snapping an 11-game unbeaten run.

The Red Devils are still in the hunt for a cup treble this season, but full-back Shaw accepts the performance at Anfield simply was not good enough.

"It was unacceptable. Embarrassing, to be honest," said Shaw, who has played in 32 of United's 42 matches under Erik ten Hag. 

"On the pitch I felt embarrassed for us players, for the fans that were there supporting us, that were watching at home, to watch that second half.

"I can only apologise for that and us as players have to own it, we have to stand up and accept that it was nowhere near good enough. 

"It was completely unacceptable and I'm sure they’re hurting, but us as players are hurting a lot.

"Our standards have clearly dropped since we've won [the EFL Cup] and in the last couple of games we haven't been our normal selves.

"We showed no personality, no mentality and for a big team to come here we need to be better."

United follow up the visit of LaLiga side Betis with a meeting against Southampton on their return to Premier League action on Sunday.

Liverpool supporters will have their Champions League final tickets refunded in full by UEFA following the chaos that marred last May's showpiece in Paris.

An independent report released last month held UEFA "primarily responsible" for the "large number of near misses that nearly led to disaster" at the Stade de France.

Liverpool fans were originally blamed by authorities amid shambolic scenes that saw tear gas used by police and others crushed in dangerous bottlenecks outside the ground.

Having accepted blame for a catalogue of organisational failures ahead of Liverpool's 1-0 loss to Real Madrid, UEFA has now agreed to refund all 19,618 Liverpool ticket holders.

UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis said: "We have taken into account a huge number of views expressed both publicly and privately, and we believe we have devised a scheme that is comprehensive and fair.

"We value the input from the Liverpool FC supporter organisations Spirit of Shankly and Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association as well as the open and transparent dialogue throughout this period.

"We recognise the negative experiences of those supporters on the day and with this scheme we will refund fans who had bought tickets and who were the most affected by the difficulties in accessing the stadium."

The final, won by Vinicius Junior's 59th-minute strike, was delayed by 38 minutes due to the crowd issues outside the venue.

A large number of supporters with genuine tickets were refused entry because of faulty scanning devices, with many accused of possessing fake tickets.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, Spirit of Shankly and the Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association said: "We welcome today's announcement from UEFA.

"This unprecedented move is the result of tireless work, alongside FSE [Football Supporters Europe] and Ian Byrne MP, to hold those responsible for the catastrophic events in Paris.

"With a promise to reimburse supporters, UEFA have gone some way to acknowledging their part in the fiasco.

"But it does not excuse UEFA, exempt them from criticism or lessen the need for them to implement all of the recommendations made by the independent inquiry.

"We will work alongside Liverpool and publish details once we know how and when refunds will be processed."

The cost of refunding nearly 20,000 supporters is expected to be in the region of £3million (€3.4m), according to reports.

Jordan Henderson has warned his Liverpool team-mates not to get too overconfident following their thumping 7-0 win over Manchester United.

The Reds inflicted a record Premier League defeat on their fierce rivals – and their joint-heaviest loss ever – in Sunday's one-sided contest at Anfield.

While Liverpool took particular enjoyment out of thrashing United, the result also moved them within three points of fourth-place Tottenham with a game in hand.

Newcastle are four points off the Champions League qualification spots, meanwhile, and have two games in hand on Spurs.

Liverpool have now taken 13 points from the past 15 on offer, but Henderson does not want his colleagues to get too ahead of themselves.

"Hopefully we can use it in the right way but you can't get too confident or overconfident, for sure," he told Liverpool's official website. 

"There are different tests along the way from now until the end of the season that will come and you need to stay positive, stay ready and stay hungry like we were [on Sunday].

"That will give us a good chance to finish the season well."

Henderson made his 400th start for Liverpool in all competitions in their memorable victory over United, 20 of those coming in the 2022-23 campaign.

It has been a disappointing season for the Reds on the whole, but captain Henderson is pleased to have seen the Liverpool of old against United.

"The performance for the whole game was really good. Intensity and energy levels were high, and something that we have been missing for a while this season," he said. 

"I thought we performed to the levels we are capable of and when you do that you get your rewards with the goals."

Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah all scored two goals each, while Roberto Firmino – who will leave Anfield at the end of the season – completed the rout.

Liverpool scored from seven of their eight shots on target in a ruthless display, scoring as many goals as they managed in their previous eight league games combined.

"Everything seemed to go in," Henderson added. "There was some great finishing, some great runs, movement and the delivery was good, so everything seemed to work.

"Hopefully this gives everyone the confidence to keep building, keep working and keep going right until the end of the season and see where we can get to."

Liverpool return to action on Saturday with a trip to bottom side Bournemouth, before facing Real Madrid in the second leg of a Champions League last-16 tie they trail 5-2.

Manchester United have reportedly been sending scouts to watch Roma striker Tammy Abraham, although their pursuit could be complicated by interest from his former club.

Abraham, 25, left Chelsea following the 2020-21 season for a £34million fee, and the England international has already exceeded his Chelsea haul of 82 appearances and 30 goals in less than two seasons in Italy.

After racking up 53 outings and 27 goals in his debut campaign with Roma, Abraham has come back down to earth this time around, with just seven goals in 34 games.

There is said to be interest from United in the striker with 11 senior caps for England, although Chelsea will ultimately have the final say about whether they allow him to head to Old Trafford.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA HOLD THE KEYS TO UNITED'S ABRAHAM PURSUIT

The Athletic is reporting United are closely monitoring Abraham's progress this season and have been present at a number of Roma games for that reason, but Chelsea have negotiated a buy-back clause that will give them the option of first refusal.

As part of the sale to Roma, Chelsea included a stipulation that allows them to bring Abraham back for £70.9m (€80m) after at least two seasons have passed – meaning it will activate this coming offseason.

The report adds that Chelsea are in desperate search of a new centre forward, and that while the fee involved may be significant, it is believed to be far less than the demands expected from Napoli for 24-year-old Victor Osimhen.

ROUND-UP

– According to Mundo Deportivo, citing Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter have enquired about 29-year-old Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti, who will be available for an affordable fee after rejuvenating his prospects with a strong loan spell at Lecce.

– Tottenham are trying to pry 28-year-old midfielder James Ward-Prowse away from Southampton, who would almost assuredly leave his club if they cannot fight their way out of the relegation places, according to Football Insider.

– Sport is reporting Barcelona have an interest in signing 27-year-old Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio if he allows his contract to expire in a few months and can join on a free transfer.

– According to Calciomercato, Inter are hoping to replace outgoing centre-back Milan Skriniar with Lille 22-year-old Tiago Djalo.

– Newcastle United are eyeing Manchester United's Scott McTominay and Leicester City's James Maddison as potential midfield reinforcements for next season, per Football Insider.

Ivan Toney continued his impressive penalty-scoring record on Monday but the Brentford striker says his method is simple.

The 26-year-old stroked the ball into the bottom-right corner from 12 yards again as Thomas Frank's side claimed a 3-2 Premier League victory over fellow unlikely European hopefuls Fulham.

Toney has converted all 22 penalties he has taken for Brentford, with 10 of those coming in the Premier League.

Only Yaya Toure, who scored all 11 spot-kick attempts for Manchester City, boasts a better 100 per cent conversion rate in the competition – yet Toney explained his penalty procedure is all about being relaxed.

After being made to wait before putting Brentford 2-1 up in the 53rd minute at the Brentford Community Stadium, he told Sky Sports: "The wait doesn't matter, the longer the better really because I can get away and think of other things like being away on holiday and chilling.

"The goalkeeper didn't move but I have always got a spot where I put the ball."

Toney has scored 27 of his 28 penalties in his professional career, with the only blemish a saved attempt for Peterborough United in a 4-0 defeat against Barnsley back in October 2018.

That miss was the catalyst for a technique alteration.

When asked when he changed his approach, he replied: "When I missed... I thought of different techniques to make sure I had a better chance of scoring and it's working out alright at the moment, so touch wood, it continues."

Another strike against Fulham took Toney's Premier League tally to 15 this season despite off-field issues.

He has been charged with 262 alleged betting violations by the Football Association, which took place over a four-year period, but hit out at English football's governing body last weeks after reported media leaks.

Reports suggested Toney, who missed out on England's World Cup squad in Qatar, would be banned for six months after pleading guilty to some charges – claims the forward strongly denied on social media.

Brentford head coach Frank previously defended his star attacker and reiterated his backing for Toney after the Fulham win.

"I take all the praise, it is solely me," Frank initially joked to Sky Sports. "No it is Ivan, that is the technique he had when he arrived at Brentford.

"He is the best penalty taker in the world for a few reasons, his strategy, he practices it and he is very cool. He keeps doing it all the same.

"It is a unique skill with him. This situation with the [betting] case going on, he has a unique ability to focus on games and training and he has kept doing that so that doesn't surprise me.

"He doesn't like the situation but he has top focus. He is a special footballer, I think his character is unique in terms of leadership and driving his team.

"His link-up play and the way he sees his team-mates around in terms of combinations and then his ability to score goals. He is an all-round football player."

Bernd Leno insisted there was no bad blood after his Arsenal departure as he backed the Gunners to lift the Premier League title.

Germany goalkeeper Leno left Emirates Stadium on unwanted terms after suggesting "politics" influenced his departure and subsequent move to Fulham ahead of this season.

Those comments took Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta by surprise as Leno seemed to point the finger at his former employers after the end of his four-year stay in north London.

Aaron Ramsdale appeared the preferred option and has helped Arsenal to a five-point lead at the Premier League summit, with Leno putting past grievances behind him to support the Gunners' title charge.

"I don't have toxic [feelings] or bad energy for Arsenal," the 31-year-old Standard Sport. "It didn't end in the perfect way, but my reception at the Emirates was really good.

"I get fans coming up to me saying, 'thank you for your four years... you were very good'.

"I was really happy with my performances. Even when they dropped me, I did nothing wrong. I came through the front door and I left through the front door. I still have a connection to the club."

When pressed on Arsenal's bid to hold off a title pursuit by Manchester City, Leno added: "I hope they do it, I think they can."

Fulham sit seventh in the Premier League after Monday's 3-2 defeat at Brentford as Marco Silva's side challenge for an unlikely European qualification.

While Leno missed out on Germany selection for the World Cup in Qatar, he eyes a return to the international fold as he continues to impress at Craven Cottage.

"I didn't go to the World Cup because I didn't play at Arsenal and then the World Cup was in November," he added.

"I can accept that. But, hopefully, in March, in the summer, or maybe next season, I can go back. That is a target for me."

Emre Can may not have seen Liverpool's demolition of Manchester United but felt the impact of his former side's resounding triumph.

The Reds' 7-0 blitz of their fierce rivals at Anfield on Sunday sent shock waves across Europe that echoed through former players.

Borussia Dortmund man Can was among those to take note of the drubbing despite being unable to watch the historic Premier League clash.

"I didn't see the game, I was not at home. But the reaction was amazing when I saw the result," he said ahead of Dortmund's Champions League clash against Chelsea on Tuesday.

"Of course, I'm always looking out for Liverpool, it's special to win against Man United 7-0. I imagine in the city it is a lot of fun now."

Another former Liverpool man took to social media to hail the result, Alberto Moreno posting "WHAT. A. SUNDAY" on Twitter alongside a heart emoji.

Some were closer to the action, former captain Steven Gerrard in attendance alongside the club's all-time record scorer Ian Rush – who shared a TikTok video of the triumphant celebrations on Merseyside.

Joao Felix hinted that a long-term future with Chelsea hinges on whether Champions League football is secured for next season.

The Portugal international arrived on loan from Atletico Madrid in a flurry of mid-season activity for the Blues.

However, Saturday's victory over Leeds United in the Premier League was only Chelsea's second from 12 matches in 2023 and their first since beating Crystal Palace in January, ending a run of six games without a win (D3 L3).

Graham Potter's side are well adrift in the hunt for a top-four finish and Champions League football next term as a result, sitting 11 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.

While Joao Felix expressed his happiness at Stamford Bridge, he suggested a permanent move depends on whether they can turn their season around.

"In terms of if I want to stay or not, I think the future, no-one knows. Now I am just focused on tomorrow's game," he said at a press conference previewing Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second leg against Borussia Dortmund.

"After that, we don't know what will happen. But I am happy here. The club is so big, it is amazing, everyone behind the club is so good so yes I am happy to be here.

"Playing Champions League is always different. It is the competition that everyone wants to play.

"But now I am focused on this Champions League, tomorrow's game. We have a lot of games yet to try to reach the Champions League in the league. It is not over.

"Playing Champions League, it is [an] important decision. But the future, no one knows so let's see what happens."

Although Chelsea's form remains a concern, Joao Felix believes it does not affect the task at hand heading into the return fixture against Dortmund despite them trailing 1-0 from the first leg.

"[There is] zero pressure. This is our job. We just have to enjoy, win the games," he added.

"Our levels of confidence and attention are high because we have to win. But we will enjoy. If we do the things right, we will win."

Roberto Firmino is a Liverpool legend in the eyes of Virgil van Dijk and the perfect teacher for Cody Gakpo.

Firmino has informed the Reds he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, bringing an end to eight trophy-laden years at Anfield.

The Brazil forward came off the bench to score Liverpool's final goal in the 7-0 drubbing of Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, his eighth in 18 appearances in the league this season.

Following a week in which Firmino's future took centre-stage, Van Dijk hailed the impact he has had on the team's success.

"You can't deny how important he's been for the success that we've had," Van Dijk told reporters.

"But as a human being as well, he's a great guy and I wish him obviously all the best after the summer.

"For now, we still have targets to reach, and he knows that, and he wants to make sure that we fulfil them as well.

"He's been so influential, and he should definitely be remembered as one of the legends."

Marcus Rashford is keen to ensure Manchester United's 7-0 loss to Liverpool does not define their season, calling on his team-mates to "trust the process".

A week on from ending their six-year wait for silverware in the EFL Cup final, Erik ten Hag's men were dismantled in brutal fashion at Anfield.

Liverpool dealt United their biggest ever defeat in this fixture, with the nature of the collapse harking back to the woeful displays of last season.

Prior to Sunday's match, Rashford had played a key role in leading a United resurgence, and he now wants to ensure their campaign is not derailed.

"I wish we could play a game today to try and put things right," Rashford wrote on Twitter. "The result is the result, and we can’t see past that!

"We must not let it define our season. We have to trust the process and stick together."

Liverpool are working to identify and ban the pitch invader who collided with their players during goal celebrations in Sunday's 7-0 win over Manchester United.

Jurgen Klopp's side claimed a record victory against their rivals as Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah each scored braces on a stunning day at Anfield.

During the celebrations for Roberto Firmino's seventh goal of the game, however, a supporter ran onto the pitch to join the players, slipped and collided with Andy Robertson.

Liverpool left-back Robertson was knocked to the ground, and the incident prompted a furious reaction from Klopp, who could be seen shouting at the culprit as he was removed by security.

Further action is to come, the club confirmed in a statement on Monday.

"Liverpool FC has begun an immediate investigation to identify and ban the individual pitch runner from Sunday's Premier League fixture against Manchester United at Anfield," it read.

"The offender ran onto the pitch and collided with Liverpool players, risking injury, as they celebrated the seventh goal in front of the Main Stand.

"There is no excuse for this unacceptable and dangerous behaviour. The safety and security of players, colleagues and supporters is paramount.

"The club will now follow its formal sanctions process and has suspended the alleged offender’s account until the process is complete.

"If found guilty of the offence of entering the pitch without permission, the offender could face a criminal record and a lifetime ban from Anfield and all Premier League stadiums.

"These acts are dangerous, illegal and have severe consequences."

The Premier League has been left "disappointed" by the decision to reject a trial period for introducing temporary substitutes for concussion.

The competition, alongside club doctors and the Professional Footballers' Association, had petitioned the International Football Association Board on the matter.

But at its annual conference in London, IFAB elected not to immediately approve the idea, although it remains a possibility further down the line.

The decision has frustrated the Premier League, which, in a widely reported statement, expressed concerns.

"We cannot understand the basis for which it has not been approved," the Premier League statement read.

"We are disappointed that a temporary concussion substitute trial was not approved considering all available scientific evidence and the overwhelming support from Premier League club doctors.

"While we note that a trial has not been dismissed, we remain convinced it should go ahead at the earliest possible opportunity in the interests of player welfare."

Permanent substitutions can be made for players suffering a suspected concussion or head trauma during matches under the game's current laws.

This is in contrast to other sports, such as American football, rugby union and rugby league, in which temporary changes can be made in order for players to undergo head injury assessments before they may be allowed to return to the field.

IFAB rejected an earlier attempt by the Premier League to table a trial for temporary concussion replacements back in January, as lawmakers continue to disagree over its viability.

Bruno Guimaraes feels "at home" with Newcastle United despite reports of interest from European champions Real Madrid.

Guimaraes was Newcastle's flagship signing in January 2022 in their first transfer window following the takeover by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

The Brazil international had a huge impact and has impressed again this season in a team battling for Champions League qualification, having also reached the EFL Cup final.

This form is said to have caught the attention of LaLiga giants Madrid, but Guimaraes appears committed to Newcastle.

The ex-Lyon midfielder accepted the North East Football Writers' Association Player of the Year award on Sunday before posting on social media.

"When I said yes to Newcastle, I was sure I was choosing a big project," Guimaraes wrote.

"From the bottom of my heart, I didn't expect to live the wonderful things I'm living here.

"Respect for the team, love for the fans and each day feeling more at home.

"Thanks for everyone that made [it] possible to live all of this."

Guimaraes has three goals in 18 league appearances this season, although he missed much of February through suspension.

Newcastle have suffered a dip in form since the Premier League restarted after the World Cup, with just two top-flight wins from their last nine games.

Back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Manchester City, either side of their EFL Cup final loss to Manchester United, have stalled their momentum.

The Magpies will hope to return to winning ways when they face Wolves on Sunday.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek says Chelsea owe Graham Potter a victory in their crunch Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea snapped a three-game losing streak with a 1-0 win over Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The Blues had won only one game in their previous 11 before that match, in which Loftus-Cheek filled in at right-wing-back in the absence of Reece James.

Now, Potter's team trail Dortmund 1-0 heading into the second leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday, but with home advantage on their side, Chelsea want to repay their head coach's hard work.

"We definitely owe it to the manager. He is obviously a fantastic manager, nobody can argue against that after what he has done with Brighton and other things," Loftus-Cheek told reporters.

"It is up to us as well. We have massive respect for the manager, the way he has been sitting in front of the media with us in this poor form, and he has stuck up for us players.

"So we owe it to the manager to perform as best we can on the pitch and turn things around."

Chelsea are 10th in the Premier League, 11 points back from Tottenham in fourth place.

"A team like Chelsea, we can't accept mediocrity. We understand we have been mediocre in this recent run, and we are not just accepting it," Loftus-Cheek continued.

"It might look like that from the outside, but it's not the case. We are hurting from the losses and the draws, because it is not in us as Chelsea players, and we are fighting our hardest to turn it around.

"It is not nice to hear all the criticism coming our way at Chelsea, to the manager, to the players. We had the poor run, so of course you are going to get that.

"We have obviously had a poor run of form, and we needed to turn it around. We may look back at this [Leeds] win as a turning point in weeks to come. You never know.

"We have got this win, and then if we win against Dortmund and then keep winning... we have the quality and the players and the manager to do that.

"We don't expect to stay in that poor run of form, but we have to stick together and come through it."