Romero nearing Tottenham return
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte gave a critical update on Argentine centre-back Cristian Romero as Spurs prepare for their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg clash against Chelsea on Wednesday night in the capital.
Cited by injury analyst Ben Dinnery, Conte issues positive news around an impending return of the 23-year-old Argentine international after the summer signing missed most of the current 2021-22 season through injury as well as a positive Covid test in the opening weeks of the campaign.
Romero close to a return. “Today Cristian, had a little part of a training session. We’re talking about another important player. We lost him for almost two months and I think we faced this situation in the best possible way. Cristian is very close to being available.” #COYS
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) January 11, 2022
Romero has not featured for Tottenham since their 0-0 draw away against Everton at Goodison Park on 7 November, with a hamstring injury keeping the former Atalanta standout out for nine-straight league outings.
His reintroduction into Spurs’ XI would give a considerable boost to the Tottenham backline with just Davinson Sánchez, Japhet Tanganga, and Eric Dier to call on in the wake of Welsh international Joe Rodon seemingly headed for the exit row.
Conte confirms Son absence
Despite the good news regarding the impending return of Cristian Romero, Antonio Conte lifted the lid of the upcoming absence of key Tottenham forward Son Heung-min after the South Korean international picked up a hamstring in the first-leg clash against Chelsea on 5 January.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 05: Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-Min during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 5, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
It was first feared that Son could be out for as long as five weeks, and now Conte that the club will have to wait at least two weeks to have a better idea on how his recovery period kicks on;
“For sure we have to wait until after the international break. It was a muscular problem and it was strange because he came off during the game. The day after he felt a bit of pain and he was injured. It’s a pity because you know the importance of this player.” Note: quote via Ben Dinnery
Son has remained ever-present for Tottenham this season despite the struggles of strike partner Harry Kane to supply the goods in front of goal, with the popular former Bayer Leverkusen man sitting joint-fourth in the Premier League goal chart with eight goals to his name.
His absence would present a considerable blow for Spurs in their hunt for silverware this season as well as throw their push for a top-four place into question after embarking on an eight-match unbeaten run in the Premier League since Conte took over on the touchline in north London.
