Spurs coach Antonio Conte says eight Tottenham players and five staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Thursday's Europa Conference League match against Rennes.

Conte confirmed that the players are from the first-team squad and raised fears that more cases could come up throwing the match in doubt. 

UEFA regulations state the match cannot be postponed unless there are fewer than 13 players available or no registered goalkeeper is available.

According to Conte, 11 players are available after one first-team member tested positive following training on Wednesday together with a member of staff.

All European group stage matches must be completed by the end of the year. That coupled with Spurs already facing a hectic festive schedule leaves no obvious window to rearrange the fixture.

Spurs need a win against the French side to qualify for the next phase of the competition.

"The situation makes me very upset because the situation is serious," Conte said.

"It's contagious and there is a big infection. Now we are a bit scared because tomorrow we don't know what will happen."

Conte did not confirm whether Spurs will speak to the Premier League about Sunday's game at Brighton over a potential postponement.

Postponing league games is taken on a case-by-case basis and the decision would be made by the Premier League board if a request is received from a club.

(With input from agencies)