Betis boss reveals: ‘Lo Celso will be at the World Cup with Argentina’ | OneFootball

On the eve of the 2026 World Cup, expectations remain high over which Argentines will make up the 26-man squad. Manuel Pellegrini, the coach of Giovani Lo Celso (who has recently recovered from an injury) at Betis, “has no doubt” that he will be among those called up. “He will be at the World Cup,” he confirmed.

Before the match against Elche, the Chilean coach was asked about the progress of the former Rosario Central player, who has recovered from an injury to the rectus femoris in his right leg suffered in the Europa League match against PAOK, and he replied that he considers him a lock for the final squad. The Rosario native is already part of Argentina’s 55-man preliminary list.

Pellegrini revealed that Lo Celso “is not ready to play the full ninety minutes” in Tuesday’s match against Elche or in the following game against Barcelona, two key matches to secure qualification for the Champions League. Betis sit in fifth place (the last qualifying spot) with 54 points, four ahead of Celta.

The coach also highlighted about his player: “He is a difference-maker, but there are many aspects to consider when putting together a starting eleven. There were a number of players one booking away from suspension — including the Argentine — which was also important.”

On Tuesday, the green-and-whites will face Elche at 3 p.m. on Matchday 36 of La Liga, which already has Barça as champion after beating Real Madrid 2-0 at Camp Nou.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.