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Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a major blow in their fight against relegation, with captain Cristian Romero confirmed out for the remainder of the Premier League campaign after sustaining a knee ligament injury.
The 27-year-old Argentine defender was forced off in tears during Spurs’ 1-0 defeat to Sunderland on Sunday, April 12, at the Stadium of Light.
The injury occurred in the 64th minute following a collision with his own goalkeeper, Antonín Kinsky, after a challenge involving Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey.
Injury Details
Scans have revealed a partial tear of the medial collateral ligament (MCL).
Reports indicate Romero faces a recovery period of 5-8 weeks, effectively ending his domestic season with only six matches remaining for Tottenham.
He was spotted hobbling in a knee brace shortly after the game.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi described the loss of his captain as a significant setback, calling Romero “crucial” for the club and emphasizing his leadership and personality on the pitch.
Impact on Tottenham’s Relegation Battle
Spurs currently sit deep in the relegation zone after the Sunderland loss, making every point critical in the run-in. Losing their most experienced and influential defender — often regarded as one of the Premier League’s top centre-backs when fit — is a hammer blow.
Romero has been a rock at the back this season, bringing aggression, ball-playing ability, and leadership.
His absence will likely force De Zerbi to lean more heavily on players like Kevin Danso and others in a makeshift defence for the final stretch.
World Cup Concerns
The timing adds extra worry for Romero personally. With the 2026 World Cup just two months away (starting mid-June), there are fears the injury could jeopardise his place in Argentina’s squad.
While some early reports suggested he might recover in time, others indicate his participation remains in serious doubt, with further tests planned.
