Lionel Messi’s Argentina hit by injury blow to key starter months before World Cup

Romero was forced off during Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland last Sunday, leaving the pitch in visible distress.

The defender was seen crying as he exited, and it has since been reported by Ben Jacobs that he suffered a knee injury that could sideline him for around eight weeks.

The timing is particularly problematic, with Tottenham battling relegation and entering a crucial phase of the season without one of their key defenders.

While there remains a mathematical chance he could recover in time for the World Cup, Romero would likely have limited time to regain full fitness and match sharpness.

Argentina’s alternatives as Romero recovery race begins

Romero is widely regarded as a starter under Lionel Scaloni, having played a crucial role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning campaign.

The expectation had been for him to partner Nicolas Otamendi again, maintaining continuity in central defence.

If Romero is unavailable or not fully fit, Leonardo Balerdi, from Olympique Marseille, is expected to step into the starting line-up after earning some minutes as a starter in previous call-ups.

Bournemouth’s Marco Senesi is another option, although his left-footed profile would require adjustments, potentially shifting Otamendi’s usual position.