24-year-old’s absence labelled as “the main reason” for Tottenham’s recent defensive troubles

Cristian Romero’s absence due to injury labelled “main reason” for Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive struggles

Cristian Romero had a lengthy lay-off from club football as the Tottenham Hotspur defender geared up to represent Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The former Juventus centre-back didn’t play in our last six games across competitions before the season stopped for the World Cup. Spurs struggled during that time.

We lost 2-1 against Liverpool and Newcastle United in the Premier League, and 2-0 to Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. Olympique de Marseille scored against us in a 2-1 win for the Lilywhites.

Leeds United also put three past our defence – although they did lose 4-3 – and Bournemouth scored two against us only to lose 3-2. Even though we won thrice during that period, we kept no clean sheets.

His hamstring injury seemed to have healed very well for him to start in Argentina’s 2-1 loss against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 22 November. He was substituted in the 59th minute for Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez after an average display.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson has cited Romero’s injury as the main reason for Tottenham’s recent defensive struggles.

“It’s a huge factor. Eric Dier was exposed when playing on that side next to Emerson Royal. He is a lot better in the middle of the three. They really missed Romero. It is good that he is fit for the World Cup. Hopefully he comes back from the World Cup unscathed and ready to play for Spurs.”

“Dier isn’t as good as a right centre-back and Davinson Sanchez is not quite at the level needed. They have conceded far too many chances down that right-hand side of late. Romero’s absence is probably the main reason for that.”

Romero is an aggressive defender who doesn’t back out from a challenge. His defensive awareness is top notch and he is strong in the tackle and in the air. It’s no surprise that we look frail at the back when he isn’t playing.

Hopefully, the 24-year-old keeps fit during Argentina’s World Cup journey and comes back without an injury.

More Tottenham Hotspur News

• Club News: Tottenham Hotspur winger Dejan Kulusevski is looking to make the most of his FIFA World Cup break
• 2022 FIFA World Cup: Tottenham Hotspur and England striker explains decision to not sport OneLove armband
• International: David Connolly believes Cristian Romero could have done better to prevent opening goal for Saudi Arabia vs Argentina

The selfish Spurs fan who isn’t backing La Albiceleste would probably not mind manager Lionel Scaloni’s side facing an early exit so that Romero has enough time to regain fitness before club football resumes.