Cristian Romero playing 90 minutes for Argentina vs Angola has given Tottenham big injury boost ahead of North London derby
Tottenham Hotspur entered the November international break on the back off a 2-2 draw with Manchester United at home. They trailed for much of the game via Bryan Mbeumo’s header, before Mathys Tel equalised in the 84th minute. Richarlison thought he had won the game when he scored a header in stoppage-time, but Matthijs de Ligt equalised minutes later to help Manchester United pinch a point in the end.
The Lilywhites were dealt with two injury setbacks in the game against Man United. Firstly, Randal Kolo Muani was substituted at half time following a jaw fracture, and in the 88th minute, Cristian Romero was forced off the pitch with an apparent injury and replaced by Kevin Danso.
Cristian Romero came from the October international and sustained an adductor strain that forced him to miss three games. Despite him going off injured last weekend, the centre-back was named in the Argentina squad for the friendly against Angola.
Tottenham get Romero injury boost ahead of trip to Arsenal
In a massive boost for Tottenham, Romero started for Argentina against Angola on Friday. He played the full 90 minutes, as goals from Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi helped Argentina beat Angola 2-0.
Romero starting and completing 90 minutes without any issues against Angola is good news for Thomas Frank and Tottenham. In fact, Thomas Frank had claimed after the Man United game that he expects his skipper to be fit for the mouthwatering North London derby at the Emirates Stadium next Sunday. And the 27-year-old featuring from start to finish for his nation in a friendly fixture bodes well for the Lilywhites.
Given how Tottenham have been struggling to keep clean sheets of late, having Romero in the XI would give the team a lot of confidence against the Gunners. As Mikel Arteta’s side are potent from set-plays, an experienced figure like Romero would be crucial in organising the Spurs backline and defending them. He has forged a strong partnership with Micky van de Ven in the last couple of years, and the Lilywhites will feel defensively secure when the duo are part of their backline.
Tottenham fans will expect Romero to be back to his best in such a high-voltage game next weekend. As Argentina had just one friendly to play during this international break, the Cordoba-born star has over a week now to rest and fully recharge himself against Arsenal.
