A severe knee injury will keep Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero out for the remainder of the season. The Argentine defender was visibly distraught as he was substituted during Sunday's 1-0 loss to Sunderland, following a collision with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky while attempting to defend against Sunderland's Brian Brobbey. Contrary to some reports, it appears Romero's chances of returning in time for the World Cup are uncertain, but his club season is definitely over. This latest setback deals a significant blow to relegation-threatened Spurs, who are currently in the bottom three and facing an uphill battle to secure safety with only six league games left to play.
The injury is also a major concern for new manager Roberto De Zerbi, who had been counting on Romero's presence for the remainder of the season. De Zerbi had previously labeled Romero a 'crucial player' after the Sunderland defeat, emphasizing his importance to the team's chances of avoiding relegation. With Romero now sidelined, Kevin Danso is poised to take his place in the lineup. Romero faces a race against time to recover in time for Argentina's World Cup title defense this summer.
The incident that led to Romero's injury has sparked debate, with some questioning whether Brobbey should have been ejected from the game for his role in the collision. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher weighed in on the matter, cautioning against judging the incident solely based on its outcome. Ex-Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd offered a different perspective, suggesting that Brobbey's actions were a result of attempting to gain an advantage in a crowded and competitive area of the pitch.
As Tottenham navigates this challenging period, the club's underlying issues remain a concern. Despite the arrival of new manager Roberto De Zerbi, the same problems that have plagued the team all season persist.
Sky Sports pundits, including Laura Hunter and Jamie Carragher, have expressed their skepticism about Tottenham's ability to escape relegation, with Carragher stating that the team looks destined for the drop.