Roberto De Zerbi reveals how Cristian Romero injury impacted Xavi Simons in Tottenham defeat
Roberto De Zerbi provided an update on Cristian Romero after the Argentine was forced off with an injury in Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland.
Spurs’ terrible luck with injuries continues, and it was their captain who became the latest victim at the Stadium of Light.
Midway into the second half, Romero collided with the on-rushing Antonin Kinsky after receiving a nudge in the back by Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.
The Argentine appeared to be in plenty of pain and had to be replaced by Kevin Danso, and he was in tears as he trudged off the pitch.
Roberto De Zerbi admits Tottenham need Cristian Romero in relegation fight
The fact that the defender was in tears has raised alarm bells, with some Spurs fans on social media wondering if Romero’s season is over, and if his participation in the World Cup may also be in doubt this summer.
Roberto De Zerbi admitted that Tottenham are still waiting for confirmation of the type and severity of the injury, but confessed that the Lilywhites desperately need their captain back in their quest to avoid relegation.
When asked in his post-match press conference what the latest is on Romero’s injury, the Tottenham boss told BBC Sport: “We don’t know yet. We have to see the next days. I hope for us that it’s not an important problem because he’s a crucial player for us. A good guy, top player, big personality and we need him to finish the season and to achieve our goal.”
When asked if the injury was to Romero’s knee, De Zerbi responded: “Maybe yes, but I don’t want to say nothing until we know more.”
De Zerbi admits Romero injury changed his Xavi Simons plans
Even though Tottenham were chasing an equaliser, De Zerbi did not bring Xavi Simons on until the 86th minute of the game.
However, he confessed that he would have brought on the Dutch playmaker a lot earlier if Romero had not been forced off.
When asked why he waited so long to bring Xavi on when Tottenham needed a goal, the 46-year-old responded: “Yes, why? Why? Because I changed three players, then after Romero’s injury there was on the pitch Kolo Muani and Udogie. I didn’t know when Udogie could finish, the energy to play, just for it. Without Romero’s injury, Xavi would have come on before.”
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