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Giovani Lo Celso 'is in Tottenham Hotspur's first-team plans this season'

By Ben Sully | 02 September 2023

Giovani Lo Celso 'is in Tottenham's first-team plans this season'

Tottenham Hotspur's Giovani Lo Celso reportedly features in Ange Postecoglou's plans for the season after remaining with the club following the transfer deadline.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso is reportedly part of Ange Postecoglou's plans for the 2023-24 campaign.

Lo Celso returned to Tottenham at the end of last season after spending 18 months on loan at La Liga side Villarreal.

During his time with the Yellow Submarine, Lo Celso made 51 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing four assists.

Despite having two years left to run on his contract, Lo Celso was linked with a move away over the summer months.

Real Betis were believed to be interested in signing their former player, while Aston Villa were also mooted as a potential destination.

Giovani Lo Celso in action for Villarreal on October 6, 2022 © Reuters

According to Sport, Barcelona were considering a move on transfer deadline day and made an informal approach about the player's availability.

However, Tottenham were only prepared to sanction Lo Celso's departure if Barcelona were willing to sign him on a permanent basis or on a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

The report also suggests that Postecoglou still views the Argentina international as part of his plans for the season.

Lo Celso was an unused substitute for Tottenham's opening two games of the season, before he came off the bench to feature in a 2-0 win over Bournemouth.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou reacts on September 2, 2023 © Reuters

The World Cup winner missed Saturday's win over Burnley after picking up an injury in Tuesday's penalty-shootout defeat to Fulham in the EFL Cup.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Turf Moor, Postecoglou told reporters: "From the other night, the only one missing is Gio Lo Celso.

"He's got a quad strain, that's why we took him off at half-time [against Fulham]. It's nothing too serious. We've got the break coming up so hopefully not too long after that."

In Lo Celso's absence, Tottenham produced a dominant display to claim a 5-2 victory over Burnley thanks to a Son Heung-min hat-trick as well as goals from Cristian Romero and James Maddison.

Having picked up 10 points from their opening four league games, Tottenham head into the international break in second place, depending on results from Sunday's fixtures.