Tottenham vs Swansea: Manager Francesco Guidolin to recover from illness for Premier League clash

Swansea City head coach Francesco Guidolin will take charge of the relegation-threatened Welsh club for their Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur despite suffering from illness. The Italian missed the pre-match media briefing on 25 February after feeling under the weather, but that is not expected to effect his ability to lead his side this weekend.

Despite the appointment of the 60-year-old in January the Swans' position near the bottom remains perilous, with just three points separating them from the drop. The club have recorded just one win from Guidolin's six games in charge since he took control of first team affairs from Alan Curtis.

Curtis stood in for Guidolin at the pre-match press conference to preview the trip to Spurs and was on hand to confirm that the coach would travel to North London. The ex-Udinese and Monaco boss will take charge of training on Friday (26 February) and is ready for the challenge of facing the title contenders.

"He's okay," Curtis said, according to Wales Online. "It's ironic the two best weather days we've had and he's ill. He's got a bug but he'll be back tomorrow and there for the weekend in plenty of time for Sunday."

Tottenham are also expected to have an influential figure of their own available this weekend, with top scorer Harry Kane set to play despite suffering from a broken nose. The England international missed the Europa League win over Fiorentina but will wear a protective mask in order to continue Spurs' title tilt.

"Years ago people would break noses and carry on playing so it won't be a problem and I'm sure he'll be available on Sunday," added Curtis. "He's been top class with a priceless gift of scoring goals.

"The league has thrown up so many surprising results – even last weekend with them [Tottenham against [Crystal] Palace – but we know it will be tough against a very, very good side. We've not beaten them in the Premier League so we know it will be tough, but the league is unpredictable there's nothing to say we can't get a result.

"I'm a fan of Pochettino, he had a good Southampton side and has done well at Spurs who are fighting on a few fronts with a very good opportunity of winning the league.
He's got a great squad of players and he's done a fantastic job."