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Tottenham boss Antonio Conte reveals sickness bug ripped through squad ahead of vital win against Burnley
TOTTENHAM boss Antonio Conte has revealed a sickness bug ripped through his squad ahead of their important Premier League game against Burnley.
Conte's men went into Sunday's game needing a win to keep their hopes of a top-four finish alive.
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And they got the result they needed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Harry Kane winning the game from the penalty spot.
The England captain caught Nick Pope flat-footed on his line and picked out the bottom left corner.
But the result didn't come easy with Conte having to deal with a selection headache just days before the fixture.
A number of players caught a sickness bug.
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Hugo Lloris was one of the unlucky Spurs stars to fall ill, but the captain made the game.
Substitutes Dejan Kulusevski, Harry Winks and back-up goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini weren't so lucky, as they were forced to miss training on Saturday.
Conte said: "Hugo had a fever but there was no chance of him missing an important game.
"It wasn't easy because the doctor sent me a message yesterday that a few players did not feel well with a stomach problem, vomiting and fever.
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"They showed they are very professional and understand the moment well.
"The players were not in 100 per cent physical condition but Hugo is our captain and he never, never wanted to miss this game."
Three points has lifted Tottenham into the Champions League places and two points clear of rivals Arsenal.
But the Gunners have a game in hand which is against Newcastle on Monday.
On the narrow Burnley win, Conte said: "It's not easy to play against Burnley.
"They tested our nerves because it was vital to get three points.
"We had to do our task and win to put some pressure on Arsenal.
"We know very well it is not easy to play against Newcastle, especially since the arrival of the new manager.
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"They are in a good spell and it is not an easy game.
"I will watch the game because I love football and I want to watch and I want to suffer."
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