Tottenham Hotspur's defensive resources have been stretched to breaking point with the confirmation that Cristian Romero will be absent for several weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during their dramatic 2-1 victory over Everton.
The Argentine World Cup winner, who opened the scoring before being forced off, now faces a significant period of rehabilitation, leaving manager Ange Postecoglou with a mounting defensive crisis ahead of crucial Premier League fixtures.
Spurs' Defensive Dilemma Intensifies
Romero's absence compounds Tottenham's existing defensive woes, with fellow centre-back Micky van de Ven also sidelined. The situation has become so dire that full-back Ben Davies has been deployed as an emergency central defender, with Postecoglou admitting the Welsh international may need to continue in this unfamiliar role for the foreseeable future.
"We're a bit vulnerable in that area at the moment," Postecoglou conceded. "Ben Davies has had to fill in and he'll probably have to continue there for a while."
Premier League Rivals Face Similar Struggles
The injury crisis isn't exclusive to North London, with several top-flight clubs grappling with defensive shortages. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery finds himself in a comparable predicament, while Brentford's Thomas Frank faces an anxious wait over several key defenders ahead of their weekend clash.
Frank revealed his own selection headaches, stating: "We have three centre backs potentially out for the weekend. We're waiting on Christian Nørgaard, and there are question marks over Kristoffer Ajer and Nathan Collins."
Romero's Absence Could Prove Costly
The loss of Romero represents a significant blow to Tottenham's ambitions. The 25-year-old has established himself as a cornerstone of Postecoglou's rebuilding project, combining aggressive defending with ball-playing quality that perfectly suits the manager's system.
With important matches looming, Tottenham's depth will be severely tested as they attempt to maintain their push for European qualification without their defensive linchpin.
