Tottenham Hotspur faces a defining moment in their Premier League survival bid this weekend, yet their defensive stalwart Cristian Romero won’t be by their side. The Argentine defender, sidelined by a knee injury for over a month, is thousands of miles away from London—watching a high-stakes clash of his own.

Romero is set to attend the Apertura final in Córdoba, Argentina, where his boyhood club Belgrano faces River Plate in a historic showdown. The decision underscores growing tensions between the London-based club and its captain, hinting at a possible exit this summer.

Having joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2022, Romero’s future remains uncertain. Rumors increasingly point toward a potential move to FC Barcelona, adding another layer of intrigue to his time in England.

De Zerbi’s dilemma over Romero’s absence

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi now faces a tactical puzzle. With Romero’s injury and potential departure looming, the club must navigate both immediate survival battles and long-term defensive restructuring. The Argentine’s absence from the Everton showdown leaves fans questioning whether his allegiance lies with Spurs—or elsewhere.