On the latest episode of Tottenham-focused podcast The Extra Inch, Chris Miller and Nathan Clark have been discussing the latest goings-on at the North London club, with this particular episode looking back on the draw with Manchester United and looking ahead to Tuesday’s game with West Ham.
The episode, which was titled ‘Bergwijn’s Poise, Crowd Noise, Fully COYS‘, features Miller and Clark discussing Spurs’ fixtures and everything else going on with the Lilywhites. One particular topic in this episode was the fitness of Giovani Lo Celso, and why perhaps he didn’t start the game against Manchester United on Friday night.
Here’s what freelance journalist Clark had to say about the Argentinian midfielder:
“One player we did have some intel on was Lo Celso, who Mourinho said had required physio during this whole period and obviously couldn’t get that, so he’s starting from a lower level than the other players and playing catch-up now.”
TIF Thoughts…
Mourinho has indeed confirmed that the former PSG man was struggling with an injury before the lockdown, but couldn’t get treatment, however, he was fit enough to make an appearance from the bench against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side on Friday night, which suggests he can’t be too far off full fitness.
The 24-year-old had established himself as a regular under Mourinho just before the season suspension, having made 20 appearances in the top-flight for Spurs so far this season. However, he is yet to contribute a goal or an assist in the Premier League; something he will no doubt be hoping to rectify in the remaining fixtures.
Do you think Lo Celso will be an important player for the rest of the season?
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After Spurs’ 1-1 draw with United, where they arguably lacked a creative influence in midfield; managing just 39% possession and three shots on target in the game (per BBC), it would perhaps not be a surprise to see the Argentinian restored to the starting line-up for the Lilywhites’ fixture against West Ham on Tuesday night.
The former Real Betis man has certainly shown in his performances in the Champions League, where he averaged an impressive 7.31 rating, that he can be an influential player in Mourinho’s side going forward.