Argentina confirm release of Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero to Tottenham, via ten days in Croatia

Tottenham duo Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero have been released by Argentina in order to return to their club, via a 10-day stay in Croatia.

The duo were involved in farcical scenes in the opening minutes of their game against Brazil on Sunday night. The match between Argentina and Brazil in Sao Paulo was called off after around five minutes when Brazilian health authorities invaded the pitch and accused the Spurs pair and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez of breaching Covid-19 quarantine rules.

The trio and Villa’s Emiliano Buendia, who was watching from the stands, allegedly breached a rule which says travellers who have been in the UK in the previous 14 days must quarantine for 14 days on entering Brazil.

A statement from Argentina on Monday read: "Players Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero are also unaffected for the game with Bolivia and return to their club."

Tottenham's two Argentine players had not been given permission to accept their call-ups given they would have had to quarantine for ten days on their return from south America. Both are expected to be fined by Spurs upon their return.

Lo Celso and Romero, as well as Davinson Sanchez who has travelled to play for Colombia, are expected to train for 10 days in Croatia to avoid having to isolate in a UK quarantine hotel when they return.

Being released at this stage of the international break, instead of taking part in Argentina's game against Bolivia, means the duo should be ready to face Chelsea on September 19 if required to do so.

Both will miss this weekend’s game against Crystal Palace and next week’s Europa Conference League meeting with Rennes.

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