Cristian Romero will sit out Tottenham's make-or-break relegation duel with Everton on Sunday, choosing to jet back to Argentina to watch his former club Belgrano. The Argentine centre‑back suffered a knee blow in the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland in January and has been sidelined ever since, leaving De Zerbi shorthanded for the season’s final test.
Tottenham enter the fixture needing a win to lock down 17th place and consign West Ham to the drop. The Hammers sit two points behind, hosting Leeds on Sunday, so the London derby’s outcome will decide which side of the table they finish on. Spurs have scraped eight points from the last five games without Romero, but the absence of their captain in the stands has fans seeing red.
How will Romero’s absence affect Tottenham’s title‑avoidance bid?
Without the defensive lynchpin, De Zerbi must rely on the likes of Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie to fill the void. Romero’s leadership on the pitch has been missed – his aerial presence and aggressive tackling were a hallmark of the Spurs’ recent solidity. Yet the Argentine’s decision to support Belgrano in the Argentine championship final against River Plate has ignited a social‑media firestorm. Critics label his choice “disgraceful” and claim it signals a lack of commitment to the Spurs cause.
Why are Spurs fans furious with Romero’s overseas trip?
The fury stems from timing and loyalty. Romero’s injury kept him out of the Sunderland loss that sparked the relegation scramble, and fans expected him to travel back to London to bolster morale. Instead, a video posted by Belgrano showed him training in Córdoba on Friday, confirming his plans to watch the Argentine title decider. Social platforms lit up with accusations of “abandonment” and calls for the club to fine the defender for breaching team spirit.
Some argue the defender is simply following his roots – Belgrano is a lifelong love, and the River Plate final is a historic showdown. Yet the Spurs faithful see a missed opportunity to rally behind their embattled side, especially when a single point could seal survival.
What does this mean for Tottenham’s relegation hopes?
Tottenham still hold a chance. De Zerbi’s side have gathered enough points to keep the battle alive, and the home crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be itching for a win. The absence of Romero may force younger defenders into the spotlight, and a solid performance could silence doubters. Conversely, a slip‑up could see West Ham slip back into the relegation zone, pulling the final table into chaos.
Will Tottenham survive without their captain on Sunday? Yes, they can, but it will require every outfield player to step up and a collective will from the supporters to turn the stadium into a fortress. The captain’s heart may be in Argentina, but the club’s fate rests on the legs of those left on the pitch.
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Source: Mirror
