Tottenham continue to monitor the fitness of Cristian Romero as they prepare for a key away match against Bournemouth this week.
The Argentine defender has missed five games since November due to an ankle and now toe injury, creating a noticeable void in Spurs’ defensive setup.
According to sports injury specialist Dr. Rajpal Brar, Romero’s return to action hinges on how he responds to training in the coming days.
His ability to manage the pain, and regain confidence on the pitch will be crucial in determining whether he can feature in the Bournemouth clash.
Even if cleared to play, it remains unlikely that Romero will complete the full 90 minutes, given his extended absence. Manager Ange Postecoglou will need to balance the defender’s reintegration carefully, considering his pivotal role in providing leadership and stability at the back.
Speaking to Tottenham News, Dr Brar said:
“How he responds to training will be the key.
“Whether that’s his pain and discomfort level, movement, and/or confidence on the pitch.
“Playing 90 minutes is unlikely given he’s been out for a month.
“Postecoglou recently said that he wasn’t back in training so he’ll obviously need to train well over the coming days.“
This season, Romero has been a vital presence for Spurs, appearing in 13 matches across all competitions. His contribution includes a goal in a dominant 4-0 victory over Everton in August. Beyond his on-field skills, his role as vice-captain has underscored his influence in guiding and organizing the team’s defensive efforts.
Romero’s journey at Tottenham began with a loan move from Atalanta in 2021, which was made permanent the following year. His leadership qualities were formally recognised when he was named vice-captain last season, reflecting his integral role in the squad.
In his absence, Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin have stepped in admirably, but the team has felt the impact of missing Romero’s commanding presence and tactical expertise. This was particularly evident in the recent 1-1 draw against Fulham, where Spurs struggled to maintain cohesion at the back.
As Tottenham looks to climb higher in the Premier League standings, Romero’s return to full fitness will be critical in bolstering their defence.