José Mourinho has provided an update on Giovani Lo Celso’s chances of facing Chelsea on Sunday, after the midfielder suffered a knock in training for Tottenham.
The Argentina international missed the 4-0 win over Ludogorets as a result of the issue, and Mourinho has now spoken about what’s wrong with his No.18.
When asked if the former Real Betis man could face Chelsea, Football London quote the ex-Manchester United boss as saying: ‘I want to believe yes. We could push but we didn’t want to risk, and this, 12 players on the bench [in European games] gives you space for everything.’
It isn’t a huge amount of information on the former Paris Saint-Germain player’s fitness, although it’s encouraging news nonetheless.
Mourinho admits that he could’ve played the 24-year-old, as well as Hugo Lloris and Steven Bergwijn who were also absent, against Ludogorets.
However, it sounds as if he simply chose not to risk anything, as he discusses the strength of his squad and also how 12 players are allowed on the bench in Europa League action.
In that case, it’s a sensible decision from Mourinho.
Lo Celso had only just netted against Manchester City and presumably would’ve liked to kick on, so his injury has come at a cruel time.
However, it’s better to let him rest and come back fresh, rather than force him into action prematurely.
With the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Moussa Sissoko, Dele Alli, Harry Winks, Tanguy Ndombele and Gedson Fernandes at his disposal, that is something the ex-Real Madrid boss can comfortably afford to do now.
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