Cristian Romero set to miss rest of season with injury

Cristian Romero set to miss rest of season with injury

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero (27) is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, dealing a major blow to the club’s fight for Premier League survival.

The Argentina defender was forced off in visible distress following a collision with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky at the Stadium of Light. Initial fears over the severity of the incident have now been confirmed, with tests revealing a high-grade partial tear of Romero’s medial cruciate ligament. BBC Sport has reported that he is subsequently expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks, effectively ruling him out of Spurs’ final six matches.

Romero’s injury comes at a critical moment for newly-appointed head coach Roberto de Zerbi, who is attempting to steady a side sliding towards relegation. Tottenham sit 18th in the table, two points adrift of West Ham in the final safe position as the season enters its decisive phase.

Beyond the immediate impact on Tottenham, Romero’s absence has also cast doubt over his availability for Argentina’s World Cup squad this summer. While the defender’s recovery timetable suggests a possible return in time, the nature of the injury raises uncertainty over his match fitness.

De Zerbi described Romero as a “crucial player” with “big personality,” qualities Spurs will now be forced to replace without their leader.

GFN | Finn Entwistle