Tottenham captain and Argentina defender Cristian Romero will not play in Spurs' final Premier League match against Everton, as he remains in Argentina recovering from a knee injury suffered in April against Sunderland [1, 2].
Romero traveled to his boyhood club Belgrano in Argentina to undergo rehabilitation at their training facilities and to attend Belgrano's Primera Division Apertura final against River Plate on Sunday [1, 2]. Belgrano president Luis Artime confirmed Romero’s use of the club’s facilities during his recovery [1].
Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi publicly defended Romero's decision, saying it was approved by the club’s medical staff. "He spoke with the medical staff, together they decided to go to Argentina to complete the rehab with the Argentinian medical staff," De Zerbi said. "We spoke last week and he always wanted to stay with us. The injury is already an injury, and we have to accept it." [2]
On criticism from former player Glenn Hoddle, who called Romero's absence "selfishness," De Zerbi responded, "I’m not stupid... with Kuti Romero, I can’t say nothing, because with me, in my time, he has been correct, in the beginning, until now." He added the decision was out of Romero’s hands and would not affect team focus: "We have the players good enough to achieve our target." [2]
Tottenham enters the final day in 16th place with a two-point advantage over 18th-placed West Ham and a 12-goal superior difference. A win against Everton would guarantee Spurs' safety, while a draw should be enough to avoid relegation [1, 2].
Romero aims to be fully fit for the upcoming World Cup this summer, prioritizing his long-term recovery over the final match [1, 2]. Tottenham faces Everton on Sunday, the same day Belgrano contests the Argentine title [1, 2].
