CONFIRMED 100% – Relief for Ange Postecoglou as ‘sensational’ Spurs man spotted in training after weeks of injury, he’s fit to face Brighton [Full story link in comment]
Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso could be available for the first time in over a month when his side take on Brighton this weekend.
Spurs will welcome the Seagulls to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a Premier League clash on Saturday 10 February.
Ange Postecoglou’s side will be keen to get back to winning ways after Jarrad Branthwaite’s 94th-minute equaliser meant they left Merseyside with just one point following a 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday 3 February.
Postecoglou had limited options on his bench that afternoon, but following Son Heung-min and Yves Bissouma’s returns to Hotspur Way this week, the Australian almost has his full complement of players available once again.
Another man who could be set to return against Brighton is Lo Celso after the 27-year-old was spotted in training ahead of the clash in photos posted to the club’s official website (8 February).
Lo Celso can be the difference for Tottenham
Lo Celso hasn’t been seen since he left the pitch in the 58th minute of Spurs’ 1-0 FA Cup win over Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Friday 5 January.
He played well that evening as he completed 95 per cent of his passes, with one of those being key, 100 per cent of his long balls forward and succeded with 100 per cent of his attempted dribbles (Sofascore).
In addition, he chipped in defensively as he won five of his nine ground duels, made two tackles, one interception and one clearance.
After coming off just shy of the hour mark against Vincent Kompany’s side, he was ruled out of the 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday 14 January and hasn’t been seen since.
While his return date was labelled a “mystery” just a few weeks ago, it looks as if that mystery might be close to being solved.
His return to training is a positive sign, and if he is available against Brighton on Saturday, it would be a really big boost for the squad.
Lo Celso was building up some form before this latest injury setback. Ahead of the match against Burnley, he was brilliant in the 3-1 home win over Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve.
That afternoon he provided two assists, completed 92 per cent of his passes, with two of those being key, and was successful with 100 per cent of his attempted dribbles. He also made four tackles and won 11 of his 14 ground duels as he inspired Spurs to a big three points.
While James Maddison’s return means he would likely have to settle for a place on the bench, Lo Celso has shown this season that he can make an impact as a substitute.
During the 4-1 home win over Newcastle United on Sunday 10 December, his cameo appearance saw him make two tackles and complete 92 per cent of his passes throughout his 17 minutes on the pitch.
If he can play a part against Roberto De Zerbi’s side, he will be hoping to make a similar level of impact.
In other Tottenham news, one 90 per cent Spurs ace is continuing to fly under the radar this season.
