Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has returned to Argentina to support boyhood club Belgrano, leaving Spurs facing their biggest match in nearly 50 years without him. Romero is out for the season after damaging knee ligaments during a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland last month. The 28-year-old World Cup winner had remained in camp offering support to his teammates and head coach Roberto De Zerbi until returning to his native country this week.
Romero did not attend Tottenham's defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday, a result that leaves Spurs needing a point from Sunday's home match against Everton to guarantee avoiding relegation for the first time since 1977. Spurs declined to comment on his potential absence. De Zerbi, who holds his pre-Everton press conference on Friday, has consistently expressed appreciation for his captain.
Belgrano play-off final and injury recovery
Romero posted a photograph on social media showing himself on a private jet with his family. He sent a message of congratulations to Belgrano after they reached the play-off final of the Argentina championship against River Plate on Sunday in Cordoba. Romero was born in Cordoba and progressed through the youth ranks at Belgrano before moving to Italian club Genoa in 2019.
Belgrano president Luis Artime said following a semi-final penalty shootout victory against Argentinos Juniors on Sunday that Romero would watch the final alongside the official club delegation. The match gives Belgrano a chance to win a title that has eluded the club throughout its 121-year history. Artime also stated that he spoke with Romero and granted him permission to use Belgrano's training facilities during his rehabilitation.
The defender was an integral member of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He is eager to prove his fitness to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni ahead of their World Cup defense next month in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Future at Tottenham and manager comments
Romero suffered his injury during a freak collision with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in a 1-0 loss at Sunderland, which was De Zerbi's first match in charge of Spurs. The defender left the pitch in tears. On Monday prior to the Chelsea match, De Zerbi praised his captain's contribution behind the scenes.
"Cristian Romero is a big player," De Zerbi said. "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."
Romero was appointed Tottenham captain last year by Thomas Frank following Son Heung-min's departure to the United States. Although the leadership role was intended to settle him, Romero continues to seek a move to Spain. He hoped for a bid from Atletico Madrid last year that failed to materialise, and reports now link him with Barcelona despite signing a contract extension in August through 2029.
When asked on Monday whether Romero would remain at the club 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 availability for Everton fixture
In player availability news, defender Djed Spence will play against Everton despite sustaining a broken jaw against Chelsea. Spence entered as a substitute at Stamford Bridge and caught a heavy forearm to the face from Liam Delap in the final stages of the match. Spence will wear a protective mask and is expected to be available for Sunday's crucial encounter.