Lo Celso given another chance to earn his Spurs

Giovani Lo Celso is mounting an unlikely comeback at Tottenham since James Maddison picked up a lengthy injury.

After his loan spell at Villarreal ended, it seemed as if the Argentine was surplus to requirements and would be sold during the summer. 

But he remained at Spurs and has taken advantage of an injury crisis to force his way back into the team. 

Ahead of Tottenham's derby against West Ham tonight, we examine Lo Celso's future at the London club. 

Tottenham return

Things started to go wrong for Lo Celso at Spurs very quickly following his 2019 transfer — compatriot Mauricio Pochettino was sacked just a few months after his arrival. 

And although he became an important player for a while under Jose Mourinho, injuries derailed both his 2020-21 and 2021-22 campaigns before he was sent to Spain temporarily.

Lo Celso's start in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa two weeks ago was his first in the Premier League since 2021. 

He marked the occasion with a goal that gave Tottenham the lead — it was only his eighth for the Londoners. 

Lo Celso remained in the team for the trip to Manchester City last weekend and once again got on the scoresheet, helping Ange Postecoglou's side to a 3-3 draw. 

Goals were not always a rarity for the 27-year-old, who was signed by Tottenham after scoring 16 times for Real Betis in 2018-19. 

Argentina regular

Lo Celso rebuilt his career in Spain, helping Villarreal to reach the 2021-22 Champions League semi-final. 

Tottenham may have lost faith in the midfielder, but Argentina did not and he was an important figure in the side that won the Copa America two years ago.

Lo Celso would have been part of Lionel Scaloni's triumphant World Cup-winning squad in 2022 were it not for another injury ruling him out.

The Argentina manager summed up the playmaker's importance at the time of his withdrawal. 

Scaloni said: "Numerically there is a replacement, but football-wise, there is not. There are others with other abilities, but it is evident that he has given us a lot." 

Ange verdict

There was talk of Lo Celso's loan to Villarreal being made permanent in the summer and a reunion with Unai Emery at Aston Villa was also floated in the media.

But Postecoglou was impressed with his pre-season form for Tottenham and recently spoke about his plans.

He said: "I looked at Gio 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. 

"He's one of a number of players that has happened to, 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." 

Lo Celso is certainly making the most of his chance in a Tottenham midfield decimated by injuries. 

With his contract not set to expire until 2025, there is an opportunity for both player and club to convince each other of their mutual suitability.