Mauricio Pochettino and his boys are hoping to begin afresh after the early season’s poor start but misfortune has struck once again. While on international duty for his nation Argentina in a friendly match with Chile, new acquisition Giovani Lo Celso sustained a groin injury. Tottenham confirmed in a release that the playmaker will be out of action for about six weeks. The manager must now be wondering when he will ever have a completely fit team.
Four matches into the new campaign, Pochettino’s been forced to work with a depleted side due to injuries. As expected, the international break offers the chance for injured players to stay back at the club and recover. There are some new slot sites willing to bet on his success in his first competitive season with the English club
The 23-year-old, on loan from La Liga side Real Betis, is yet to make his full Tottenham debut. He came off the substitute bench in the last three games. Against rivals Arsenal, Lo Celso had only five minutes to show what he’s got. Against defending champions Manchester City, he played just 11 minutes. Only in the loss to Newcastle United did he get a decent chance to show what he’s made up of when he was called upon with just 28 minutes left. Gradually, the manager has been easing him into life in the Premier League.
Some might argue that his injury won’t greatly affect the team since he’s yet to make his full Spurs debut. The truth is he on-loan player represents a valuable rotation cog with the rush of games approaching in the next few months.
Realistically, there shouldn’t be any major panic. The manager has sufficient options in midfield. This might also make the Argentine tactician mend fences with Denmark star Christian Eriksen. Both men fell out after the Dane tried to force a move away in the summer.
All things being equal, Lo Celso could start in the EFL Cup tie or possibly a Premier League match versus Brighton and Hove Albion or troubled Watford when the manager decides to rotate his team for the UEFA Champions League.
The absence of Lo Celso till late in October would benefit the other members of the Tottenham squad. Dele Alli and Eric Lamela can be rest assured that they will get more playing minutes. Oliver Skipp may also find himself playing opportunities to show what he’s got.
Tottenham plays seven games in the next couple of days. Lo Celso would have featured, giving the club fans a taste of the next Eriksen.