Lionel Messi and Emi Martinez are just some of the players to have sent their messages of support to Tottenham Hotspur-owned and Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso after injury has ruled him out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The 26-year-old, who is on-loan at Villarreal this season, posted an emotional Instagram message expressing how it has been ‘very hard’ for him during these past few days as he comes to terms with this news.
It’s a muscle injury that will rule out the midfielder and he is now set to undergo surgery, with the World Cup set to kick off next week.
With such a small turnaround for players for the Qatar World Cup, even a minor knock is going to keep you out of action.
When Lo Celso penned his message to fans, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez told him in the comments section that ‘the football always pays off’, whilst PSG superstar Lionel Messi sent a heart emoji to the player.
Former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi added ‘strength my friend. We love you very much. Do not lower your head because you have a lot ahead of you.’
“It’s true that there were very hard and sad days for me,” said Lo Celso. “As I knew the injury had left me a time away from playing.
“The World Cup is the most beautiful tournament in the world. I did try by all possible means. But I won’t be able to. I wish the best to the group that has to go, which I have no doubt will represent the country in the best way.
“I will be supporting as one more Argentine from wherever. Thank you for all the messages of support and love received during these days.”
INJURIES CONTINUE TO HAUNT LO CELSO
Lo Celso might be a bit of a forgotten man with the Spurs fans because, even during his days at the club, he was hardly on the pitch.
He initially joined on a loan deal when Mauricio Pochettino was in the dugout, before making the deal permanent in 2020 for £27 million (BBC Sport) when Jose Mourinho was in charge.
Under both managers, including current boss Antonio Conte, he just couldn’t cement his place in the side, nor stay away from the treatment table, although, he has had much better success in Spain with Villarreal.
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