Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has described Giovanni Lo Celso’s injury problem as a “sad situation”.
The Argentine playmaker joined the Lilywhites on loan from Real Betis in the summer but has only managed 44 minutes of Premier League football so far.
How long is Lo Celso injured for? Five things to know…
- Lo Celso joined Spurs on loan from Real Betis in the summer.
- So far, he has managed just three substitute appearances for the Lilywhites.
- The Argentine aggravated a hip injury while on international duty recently.
- That has seen the 23-year-old ruled out for around six weeks.
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Lo Celso won more fouls (67) and completed more take-ons (63) in La Liga last season than any Spurs player managed in the Premier League.
And the prospects of that improving any time soon were dashed as it was confirmed Lo Celso will be sidelined until October after aggravating a hip problem while on international duty with Argentina.
Naturally, Pochettino is less than impressed at the 23-year-old’s situation having spent the first month of the season bedding Lo Celso into his squad.
“It’s a sad situation,” said Pochettino. “I’m very disappointed because Giovani had the first month to adapt to the club. Everything was going in a good way.
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“Now we have to wait for him, but at the same time, we have to be positive and give him a quality recovery so that when he is ready, he is strong and can help the team.
“Nothing is going to change the reality. We are all disappointed, the national team are sad too.
“We cannot change the situation and that is why it is so important to anticipate these things. These relationships are important, and, in this situation, we must not blame someone.”
Eriksen has “always been happy” at Spurs, says Pochettino
The signing of Lo Celso was thought by many to be an attempt to offset an imminent departure for fellow playmaker, Christian Eriksen.
However, despite being linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United over the summer, no move was forthcoming and, as such, the Dane has remained in north London.
But Eriksen has now entered the final year of his Spurs contract and talk of a future move still persists, with the 27-year-old able to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Pochettino, though, has insisted Eriksen has “always been happy” at Spurs and remains an important player in his side.
“He has always been happy here,” he said. “Of course, everyone has their aims and challenges, but I told you before the Arsenal game that he was in the right mind. That’s why I selected him.
“He is such an important player for us and one we appreciate a lot.
“He is happy and if he can play, he will. All the decisions will be made on performances.”
Spurs will be hoping to get their season back on track on Saturday when they face Crystal Palace at home, after failing to win their past three matches.