Tottenham appear set to go into their biggest game for almost 50 years without captain Cristian Romero, who is on the other side of the world supporting his boyhood team in Argentina. The 28-year-old World Cup winner is out for the season after damaging knee ligaments in a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland last month.
Romero's absence from key matches
Romero has been offering support to his teammates and manager Roberto De Zerbi until this week when he returned to his native Argentina. He did not attend Tottenham's defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday, which leaves them needing a point from Sunday's home game against Everton to avoid relegation for the first time since 1977.
On social media, Romero posted a picture of himself on a private jet with his family and sent congratulations to his boyhood club Belgrano after they reached the playoff final of the Argentina championship against River Plate in Cordoba.
Background and recovery
Romero was born in Cordoba and came through the youth ranks at Belgrano before leaving for Genoa in Italy in 2019. Belgrano president Luis Artime confirmed that Romero will watch the final with the club's official delegation. Artime also said he has granted Romero permission to use the club's training facilities as he continues his rehabilitation from injury.
Romero, integral to Argentina's 2022 World Cup win, is desperate to prove his fitness to national team boss Lionel Scaloni in time to defend the crown next month in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Manager's comments and future uncertainty
Tottenham declined to comment on his potential absence, but De Zerbi, who holds his pre-Everton press conference on Friday, has always been hugely appreciative of Romero. The defender left the pitch in tears after a freak collision with his own goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky during the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, which was De Zerbi's first game in charge.
Before the Chelsea game, De Zerbi paid tribute to his absent captain: 'Cristian Romero is a big player. He is an amazing guy because he has been a great captain in my time even though he didn't play. We talk on the phone and, when he is here, every morning he comes to my office.'
Transfer speculation
Romero was made Spurs captain last year by Thomas Frank after Son Heung-min left for the USA. The extra responsibility was hoped to ease his restlessness, but Romero is reportedly keen on a move to Spain, as he was this time last year. He hoped Atletico Madrid would bid for him then, but that did not materialise. This year, he is reported to be on Barcelona's wanted list, though he signed a new contract in August tying him to the club until 2029.
When asked if he expected Romero to be part of the squad next season, De Zerbi said: 'It's a good question but it is the wrong timing. First of all the focus is Chelsea. Second point, Romero is a great player and the most important is the behaviour and how much the player wants to stay in this club. We are going to take all the decisions after this season and after the Everton game.'
Djed Spence injury update
Meanwhile, Djed Spence will play against Everton despite breaking his jaw at Chelsea. Spence, who came on as a substitute at Stamford Bridge, took a hefty forearm to the face from Liam Delap in the closing stages. He will be fitted with a protective mask and is expected to be available on Sunday.
