Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou lays down the gauntlet for Giovani Lo Celso to seize the opportunity with  England star James Maddison out injured

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Ange Postecoglou has called on Giovanni Lo Celso to seize the opportunity given to him with James Maddison out injured.

Spurs have been hit with an abundance of injuries and suspensions to their squad in recent weeks, especially in midfield and defence. Argentine international Lo Celso has had a stop-start career so far at Tottenham after arriving from Spanish side Real Betis in 2019.

Injuries have also plagued the 27-year-old this campaign, but now fully fit, his manager confirmed there will be chances for the midfielder to play over the coming weeks.

‘Gio will get an opportunity particularly over the next few weeks,’ Postecoglou said. ‘We are down on numbers and have a fair few games between now and new year.

‘We won’t get anyone back of significance in that time apart from Romero so Gio and the other guys will get that opportunity. He had a really strong pre-season and then he got injured at Fulham which was his first start and that set him back for quite a while.

Ange Postecoglou hinted that Giovani Lo Celso could have a big part to play in the coming weeks

The Argentina international has recovered from an injury that ruled him out earlier in the season

Star signing James Maddison has picked up an injury that is keeping him on the sidelines 

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‘He’s been working his way back to fitness. I haven’t had any issues with any of the players in terms of frustrations.’

During his four years at the club, Lo Celso made the switch back to Spain to join now Aston Villa manager manager Unai Emery at Villarreal in January 2022, before sealing a full season loan last campaign.

Emery departed for the midlands outfit in October 2022, and despite his season being blighted by injuries, Lo Celso still managed a respectable output in limited minutes.

When asked what he liked about the Argentine’s game, the 58-year-old stated he was watching Lo Celso long before he joined the club in the summer: ‘I looked at Gio really well before I got here, both here at Tottenham and his spells at other clubs. 

‘You can see he has certain qualities. He’s had a disruptive season for us. He’s had a few injuries, he hasn’t really had a clean run at it.

‘But you can see technically he’s a very creative player. He works hard for the team. He’ll get an opportunity over the next few weeks to hopefully come in and make an impact.’

Postecoglou also praised Emery for his impact at Villa since taking over, with the Villains flying high in fifth place, one point and place behind their hosts: ‘He [Emery] has been first class. He has turned Villa around very quickly. You have got to remember what position they were when he took over. They have always been very consistent.

‘He is a quality manager.’

The Australian manager had been watching Lo Celso before he took over the club this summer

Lo Celso was involved in Argentina’s fiery clash with Brazil in midweek, with the Albiceleste winning 1-0 against their great rivals

The midfielder spent time playing under Aston Villa boss Unai Emery when the pair were at Villarreal together

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