Cristian Romero
SpursCB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Apr 27, 1998 (28)
Right
6'1"
172 lb
Expected to miss Jordan game
Romero (knee) is reportedly ruled out for Saturday's match against Jordan due to the injury he suffered in the previous contest, according to Gaston Edul of TyC Sports.
Analysis: Romero is still awaiting a diagnosis on the severity of his issue, but with Argentina already qualified as group leaders, they have no need to take risks in the next clash, so the defender could have plenty of days to work on his recovery ahead of the round of 32. He's an essential piece of the squad's back line, so his absence will likely reduce their ability to prevent goals against. Nicolas Otamendi and Marcos Senesi will now become viable options to enter the rotation, with Otamendi expected to cover for the injured player if he faces an extended absence.
Set for testing, hopeful of minor injury
Romero (knee) is set for testing in the coming days, but is not expected to be anything significant, according to manager Lionel Scaloni, per TyC Sports. "We don't know the extent of his issue. It's something he's been dealing with; let's hope it's nothing. He'll undergo tests tomorrow or the day after."
Analysis: Romero was off early in Monday's win but will now undergo tests on his knee, with the hope that nothing significant is revealed. The good news is Argentina has won its group and will be able to rest players against Jordan in the group stage finale, with Romero likely to be among those players. If this is the case, Nicolas Otamendi will enter the starting XI in his place, replacing one veteran with another.
Off with knee injury
Romero was forced off in the 57th minute of Monday's match against Austria due to an apparent knee injury, according to manager Lionel Scaloni, per TyC Sports. "Let's hope that the thinkwith Cuti is nothing."
Analysis: Romero was taken off the field early in the second half Monday, and it appeared to be due to an injury, as he was pictured with ice on his knee. This would be a major blow for the Argentine team, as he is a solid veteran defender for them. If scans show anything significant, it could knock him out for some time, so this will be watched closely. Nicolas Otamendi came on in his place, likely to be a replacement in the starting XI if Romero misses time.
Minimal fantasy impact
Romero recorded two tackles (one won) and two clearances in Tuesday's 3-0 win versus Algeria.
Analysis: Romero partnered at center-back with Lisandro Martinez, but the Tottenham defender didn't have a lot of work and earned most of his fantasy value via the clean sheet. That could be the outcome as well when Argentina takes on Austria on Monday, June 22, as that's another game where Argentina should dominate possession.
Plays 27 minutes
Romero (knee) appeared off the bench for 27 minutes in Saturday's 2-0 win over Honduras.
Analysis: Romero got back on the field for a friendly ahead of the World Cup, as the defender played for 27 minutes later in the contest. This is his first appearance since ending the league season with Tottenham, a major return for Argentina for the World Cup. He will now compete for a starting spot at center-back heading into the World Cup, as Nicolas Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez appear to be starters as of now.
Joins group training
Romero (knee) has started to work with the rest of the squad as he looks to take part in Argentina's friendly games prior to the World Cup, Gustavo Yarroch of Radio La Red reports.
Analysis: Romero made meaningful progress in his recovery since joining the Argentinian national team and was finally ready to work with the ball in the latest practice. Having yet to make an official appearance since April 12, the central man could see a gradual return to regular activity, and he'll eventually challenge Nicolas Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez for starting spots. If given the opportunity, Romero should be an elite defensive asset given his clearance numbers and clean sheet chances.
Working with national team
Romero (knee) is completing his rehabilitation from an MCL sprain with the Argentinian squad and is expected to be an option at some point during the World Cup, according to TyC Sports.
Analysis: Romero rejoined his national teammates after making a short trip to London to support his club in the EPL season finale, even though he was still unable to play. The central man should feature as one of Argentina's leaders on the pitch if he's ready to appear in the international competition. However, he has been sidelined since April 12, so he might require some time to regain form. In any case, he's expected to be in contention with Nicolas Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez for starts in a back line that could have solid clean sheet chances in the initial fixtures.
Racing to be fit for World Cup
Romero (knee) is working through his rehabilitation in London under the supervision of one of Argentina's national team physiotherapists, with the six to seven week recovery timeline putting his World Cup participation against Algeria on June 16 firmly in his sights, according to Diario Cronica.
Analysis: Romero had initially planned to travel to Buenos Aires to complete his recovery at the Lionel Messi training complex in Ezeiza, but his commitment to Tottenham's relegation battle convinced him to remain in London. The Argentine captain is already without his brace and working through rehabilitation exercises, with Argentina's pre-tournament friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9 shaping up as crucial tune-up matches to get him match-ready before the competition begins.
Done for season
Romero (knee) is out for the rest of the league season due to a partial tear in his MCL, according to Sami Mokbel of BBC.
Analysis: Romero was likely to miss the rest of the season after Sunday's knee injury, but it is now official, only needing further confirmation from his club. The major concern for the defender moving forward is his prospects for the World Cup, as an expected recovery time is around eight weeks, with Argentina starting play on June 16. As a crucial defender for Argentina, he will hope to recover in time. On the other hand, Tottenham's season continues to take turns for the worse, now without another regular starter as relegation becomes more imminent. This will force them to rely on Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso more heading into the final games of the season.
Out at least five weeks
Romero (knee) is expected to be sidelined for five to eight weeks, according to Martin Arevalo.
Analysis: Romero is expected to be sidelined for five to eight weeks after suffering a knee injury in the last match against Sunderland and is likely to miss the remainder of the Premier League season, though he is projected to be fit in time for the World Cup. The center back has been a key piece in the back line, starting 30 of his 31 appearances across all competitions while recording 58 tackles, 30 interceptions and 94 clearances, making his absence a significant blow, with Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso in line for increased roles in central defense.
Suffers injury
Romero was taken off the field in the 70th minute of Sunday's match against Sunderland due to an injury, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi, per Alasdair Gold of Football London. "We don't know yet. We have to see the next days. I hope for us it's not [an] important problem because he's a crucial player for us. A good guy, top player, big personality, and we need him to finish the season and to achieve our goal. [Was it his knee?] Maybe yes, but I don't want to say nothing until we know more."
Analysis: Romero was involved in a collision Sunday, and that would lead to his exit from the field, appearing to have suffered an injury after running into his keeper. The defender will now hope for only a minor injury and missing no time, as he could be a crucial loss for the club as they try to avoid relegation. He was replaced by Kevin Danso, who will likely continue as a starter if Romero misses time.
Trains normally Tuesday
Romero (concussion) was spotted training normally with the team Tuesday and should be an option for Wednesday's second leg clash against Atletico in the Champions League, according to Matt Verri from The Standard.
Analysis: Romero appears to have cleared the concussion protocols after returning to full team training with the squad Tuesday and is now trending toward being available for Wednesday's second-leg showdown against Atletico in the Champions League. That would be a major lift for Spurs, as he continues to anchor the back line and carry the armband. Despite some inconsistent and controversial outings this season, his presence remains central to the team's defensive structure and leadership.
Won't play vs. Liverpool
Romero (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against Liverpool, according to manager Igor Tudor. "No, Romero and Palhinha out."
Analysis: Romero exited Tuesday's UCL loss to Atletico Madrid following a head collision with Joao Palhinha, who will miss the game as well. Losing Romero is a massive blow for a Spurs team that will also be without Micky van de Ven (suspension), leaving Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin poised to start at center-back. Romero's next chance to play will be the return leg of the UCL tie against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, March 18.
Leaves with head injury Tuesday
Romero was forced to leave the pitch following a collision of heads in the final minutes of Tuesday's UCL loss to Atletico Madrid, Alasdair Gold of Football London reports.
Analysis: Romero was unable to stay on the field despite the fact that his team had no substitutions left as his injury happened near the end of the match. This was the defender's return to action after his four-game suspension in league play, but he could now be forced to miss some time if he's dealing with a concussion. With Micky van de Ven banned for the next visit to Liverpool, Kevin Danso and perhaps Radu Dragusin could see increased playing time in Romero's potential absence.
Eligible going forward
Romero is an option again after serving a four-game Premier League suspension.
Analysis: Romero will likely bounce back into the starting lineup in place of Micky van de Ven, who got sent off in the last match against Crystal Palace. The Argentinian should provide a quality boost to a struggling defense but can't be relied on for clean sheets given the team's recent form. He has scored four goals and one assist across 21 league appearances, while averaging 4.1 clearances per contest in the 2025/26 season.
Sees red Saturday
Romero was sent off in the 29th minute of Saturday's game against Manchester United and will be suspended for four games due to violent conduct and his second red card of the season.
Analysis: Romero was sent off for a reckless challenge on Casemiro in the first half of Saturday's showdown with Manchester United and will now serve a four-match suspension for violent conduct but also for being his second red card of the season. It's a major hit for the Spurs, as he's been a locked-in presence at the heart of the backline all season. His absence reshapes the starting XI, with Radu Dragusin the leading option to step in if Kevin Danso (toe) remains sidelined.
Fine to play Saturday
Romero (illness) will be available for Saturday's game against Manchester United, according to manager Thomas Frank. "Romero, yes [he's available]."
Analysis: Romero was subbed off at half time during Sunday's draw against Manchester City since he wasn't feeling well, but the star center-back will be fine to feature Saturday against an on-the-rise Manchester United club. Romero should partner with Micky van de Ven (undisclosed), who has been cleared to play as well.
Limited due to illness
Romero was subbed off at half time during Sunday's 2-2 draw against Manchester City, with manager Thomas Frank revealing in the post-match press conference that the reason was an illness "We are assessing him. Hopefully he's fine."
Analysis: Romero has apparently been struggling to stay healthy, but he was in great form with three goals and one assist in his previous four EPL or UCL games, so the team will likely want to have him in top condition for upcoming fixtures. However, if he's eventually ruled out, the Spurs will depend on the recoveries of Micky van de Ven (undisclosed) and Kevin Danso (undisclosed) but could end up using Radu Dragusin and Joao Palhinha in defensive spots.
Assists opener Wednesday
Romero assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal) and three chances created in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Analysis: Romero recorded another goal contribution Wednesday as his headed pass in the 47th minute set up Randal Kolo Muani's opening goal. It marked his fourth consecutive match (all competitions) with a goal contribution, an insanely productive run of form for a center back. He was excellent for Spurs in the Champions League group stage, recorded one goal, two assists and four clean sheets across six starts. He will look to have a similar impact in the Round of 16 in March.
Scores late equalizer
Romero scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Burnley.
Analysis: Romero scored in his third consecutive match (all competitions) within the last week, and this one was easily the most important. With his side down a goal late, he found the back of the net with a header in the 90th minute off a Wilson Odobert assist. He has been dominant on set pieces as of late, a skill that makes him very valuable for fantasy purposes. He was active on the defensive end as well as he won four tackles, intercepted two passes and made two clearances before he was subbed off in the 95th minute for Radu Dragusin.
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