Cristian Romero will not be available for Tottenham's crucial Premier League clash against Everton on Sunday, a match that could decide whether the north London side faces relegation for the first time since 1977.
Why is Cristian Romero absent?
The Argentine defender is sidelined with a significant knee injury sustained last month during Tottenham's away match against Sunderland. He has been completely out of action since then.
Rather than staying in north London to support his teammates from the sidelines, Romero opted to return to his homeland to watch Belgrano's historic league championship playoff final against River Plate. This decision has stunned many fans and drawn fierce criticism.
Approved trip and World Cup preparation
Romero's trip was officially approved by Tottenham's medical department. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirmed that the club's medical staff agreed to let Romero complete his rehabilitation program alongside the Argentine national team's medical setup. The main reason for his trip is to prepare for the upcoming World Cup, as his knee injury requires careful management to ensure he is fully fit for the tournament.
Relegation possibility and criticism
His absence comes at an incredibly tense moment. Tottenham enters this final weekend against Everton fighting to guarantee their safety, with the threat of relegation looming. Former Tottenham player and manager Glenn Hoddle publicly blasted the move, stating that Romero's choice to leave the team at such a critical juncture perfectly "sums his selfishness up."
However, manager Roberto De Zerbi has publicly defended his captain's character. The Italian manager stated that Romero has always been correct and professional with him and noted that the defender can do nothing to affect the scoreline from the stands anyway.
