De Zerbi Confirms Romero's Season Over as Spurs Fight Relegation
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has delivered the crushing news that club captain Cristian Romero will not feature again this season due to a knee injury. The defender sustained the setback during Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, which marked De Zerbi's first match in charge of the struggling North London side.
Romero's absence leaves a significant void in Tottenham's defence for the final six fixtures of a disastrous Premier League campaign that has seen the club languish in the relegation zone. De Zerbi, however, is injecting a dose of optimism and culinary incentive into the squad's battle for survival.
Dinners on De Zerbi for Spurs Victories
In a bid to foster team spirit ahead of Saturday's critical home clash against his former club Brighton & Hove Albion, De Zerbi treated his 18th-placed squad to a meal in London's exclusive Mayfair district. The Italian manager has now promised to make such dinners a weekly reward if Tottenham can secure much-needed victories.
"Yes, I don't know if we win the game for dinner. I know we eat very well. The food was amazing and if we win, I am ready to pay every week for one dinner," De Zerbi stated with a smile, emphasising his belief in the squad's quality and his positive outlook on their Premier League status.
"I am positive, I am ready to fight and I believe to keep Premier League (status). I believe in my words that I said last week. The focus is to win one game," he added, highlighting the psychological importance of rediscovering the winning feeling.
Injury Updates and Captaincy Decision
With Romero sidelined, De Zerbi declined to confirm who would assume the captain's armband but provided updates on other key players. Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is available for selection against Brighton after a three-month absence due to a hamstring injury, though his role as a starter remains undecided.
Midfielder Yves Bissouma is confirmed as "100 per cent fit" after being an unused substitute at the Stadium of Light. However, first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is still not ready for action following minor hernia surgery last month.
De Zerbi expressed his sympathy for Romero, acknowledging the defender's commitment and the personal toll of his injury. "Romero first of all loves Tottenham and the people have to know he is suffering for this injury and because he can't play any more for us this season, but he's a great captain for us," the manager remarked.
Defensive Reshuffle and Survival Belief
In Romero's absence, De Zerbi indicated that defenders Radu Dragusin and Kevin are capable of stepping up. "We have to be any way positive. We have Radu Dragusin and Kevin, they are able to play and able to play well. We can win any way and we want to win any way," he asserted, reinforcing his confidence in the squad's ability to secure results despite the setback.
The manager stressed that winning a game is crucial not only for the league table but also for rebuilding the team's morale and competitive edge. With Tottenham's Premier League future hanging in the balance, De Zerbi's blend of tactical adjustments and motivational incentives will be put to the ultimate test over the coming weeks.
