Key man returns for Tottenham as Mourinho accepts Dele apology

Giovani Lo Celso is back in the frame for Tottenham’s trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.

The in-form midfielder has returned to training after missing the FA Cup replay win against Southampton with a groin injury.

Erik Lamela was also sidelined for that replay with a thigh problem and he will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s clash.

Juan Foyth (groin), Harry Kane (hamstring) and Moussa Sissoko (knee) all remain on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has accepted Dele Alli’s apology after the midfielder appeared to joke about the coronavirus on social media.

Alli posted a Snapchat video on Saturday in which he joked about the virus outbreak and appeared to mock an Asian man. The Football Association has written to Alli to seek his observations about the post, for which the 23-year-old has apologised.

Mourinho said: “I spoke with him about that but it was quite an easy conversation because he was very sorry about – let’s say, the mistake – but it was never his intention to hurt or offend.

“He immediately regretted and recognised it was a young generation mistake and he apologised. So my conversation was easy. What can I say, I can say he regrets and that is the best feeling he can show.

“I have a son at the same age as Dele and many of the players. I know social media is for his generation but when you are a public person like footballers are, they have to know and they have to be very, very careful.

“Dele is a great guy. The last thing he is is anything connected with racism.”