Spurs' Cristian Romero out for season; status for World Cup unclear

Defender Cristian Romero (C) teamed up with striker Lionel Messi to win a World Cup for Argentina in 2022. File Photo by Chris Brunskill/UPI

April 13 (UPI) -- Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero is expected to miss the remainder of the Premier League season with a knee injury.

Sources told ESPN, Sky Sports and the BBC on Monday about the development. The BBC reported that Romero was diagnosed with a partial tear of his medial cruciate ligament and is expected to miss up to eight weeks, which would also put his status in doubt for the 2026 World Cup.

The Argentine defender was hurt when he collided with goalie Antonin Kinsky in the second half of a 1-0 loss to Sunderland on Sunday in Sunderland, England. He was replaced by Kevin Danso in the 71st minute and did not return.

Spurs coach Roberto De Zerbi told reporters that the center back, who limped off in tears, would be examined in the coming days.

"I hope for us it's not too important problem, because he's a crucial player for us," De Zerbi said. "He's a good guy, good player, top player, big personality and we need him to finish the season and to achieve our goal."

Spurs (7-16-9), who haven't won a Premier League match since Dec. 28, sit in 18th place in the Premier League standings and are on the verge of relegation with six games remaining. They are two points behind 17th-place West Ham and three points back of Nottingham Forest and Leeds.

They will host Brighton in their next league match at 12:30 p.m. EDT Saturday in London.

The Argentines will take on Honduras in an international friendly June 6 in College Station, Texas. They will face Iceland in another friendly June 9 in Auburn, Ala.

They will meet Algeria in their opening match in the 2026 World Cup on June 16 in Kansas City, Mo.