The Argentina national side have posted images from training yesterday and Cristian Romero appears to have taken part, despite injury concerns.
Alasdair Gold revealed yesterday that the early suggestions from Argentina were that Cristian Romero’s injury was not a serious one.
Ange Postecoglou and his coaching staff, as well as everyone else associated with Tottenham, faced a nervous wait for more news on Romero after it emerged that the centre-back had picked up an injury during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Ecuador.
(Photo by Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Maundo Bocaradio reporter Luis Fregossi took to social media after the game to reveal that the 25-year-old had a knee problem and that he would be assessed before a decision was made on whether he could play a part in Tuesday’s game against Bolivia or should return to Spurs.
A lot was riding on the outcome, with Eric Dier being the only senior centre-back that Postecoglou could turn to in case Romero is not passed fit for the clash against Nottingham Forest.
Ashley Phillips may not be needed quite yet at Spurs
Gold suggested that 18-year-old summer signing, Ashley Phillips, is likely to start over Dier on Saturday in case Romero is not passed fit.
The journalist said on a Q&A on Football London: “The early suggestions from Argentina appear to be that it’s a minor injury to his right leg, to the point where a decision will be made over whether he remains with the squad and travels to Bolivia for the next game or whether he returns to England.
“The reports in his homeland suggest the decision will be made tomorrow (Sunday) but that he is a doubt for the Bolivia game.
“Of course, there would be an injury worry with Spurs having just let their next-in-line centre-back leave the club and in the week when Lionel Messi declared Romero as the best defender in the world. Romero seems to pick up a fair few injuries on Argentina duty but with his all-action style, it could happen in any game.
“Fingers crossed this is just a precautionary move and more than a week’s recovery will be enough. As for who steps in, at this point, it could well be Ashley Phillips judging by recent squad selections. It would certainly tell us plenty about Eric Dier’s position in the squad.”
However, it appears Spurs may be able to breathe for now, as Romero seemingly trained with his international teammates yesterday.
Cristian Romero shown in training with Argentina yesterday afternoon….and breathe. https://t.co/KgEXcsizdL
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) September 10, 2023
Spurs Web Opinion
The fact that Postecoglou named Phillips on the bench over Dier against Burnley is perhaps a clear indication that the teenager is ahead of the England international in the pecking order.
Ange has shown over the course of his managerial career that he is not averse to throwing young players into the deep end if he thinks they are good enough, but the Spurs head coach will be desperately hoping that Romero is passed fit as the Argentine is the leader of the backline.
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