Romero will be in Argentina as Spurs battle to avoid drop on final day
Tottenham head coach Roberto de Zerbi has defended club captain Cristian Romero's absence from Spurs' season finale against Everton , but says he "100%" understands why fans are upset about it. Romero, 28, will be in his native Argentina instead of at Spurs' final match of the campaign at home to Everton on Sunday as they battle to avoid relegation. Argentina defender Romero was already missing the game because of a knee injury and is in a race against time to be fit for this summer's World Cup.
A win for Spurs would guarantee Premier League safety, although a draw should be enough because of their superior goal difference over 18th-placed West Ham United . While some Tottenham players who cannot play in the match, including Ben Davies, will be in attendance, Romero is instead expected to watch his boyhood club Belgrano take on River Plate. De Zerbi said the decision for Romero to return to Argentina was agreed with the club's medical staff.
"He spoke with the medical staff. Together, they decided to go to Argentina to complete the rehab," said De Zerbi. "We spoke last week.
With me, he showed always he wants to stay with us. The injury is already injured and we have to accept. "I'm not stupid.
If I understand there is any player or some player who thinks for himself before the club, I can't be the same Roberto. With Cuti Romero, I can't say nothing because with me in my time, he's been correct. At the beginning until now.