Relief and blow for Tottenham as Cristian Romero avoids surgery but return timeline looks grim

Tottenham skipper Cristian Romero suffered a knee injury after colliding with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Roberto De Zerbi’s reign got off to the worst possible start on Sunday afternoon, as Tottenham Hotspur succumbed to a 1-0 away loss to Sunderland. Nordi Mukiele’s deflected effort just after the hour mark eventually proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Things went from bad to worse for Spurs against Sunderland, as Cristian Romero collided with Antonin Kinsky, with both players needing treatment for a lengthy period. The Tottenham skipper certainly came off worse, and despite getting up and walking, he was seen in tears as he gingerly made his way to the sidelines to be substituted.

Roberto De Zerbi did admit that the centre-back suffered a knee injury after the game. Cristian Romero was set to undergo tests given the level of pain he was experiencing after being pushed onto goalkeeper Kinsky by Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.

Grim injury update on Cristian Romero emerges

According to reliable Argentine journalist Gaston Edul on X, Romero will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury. The 27-year-old has not sustained a torn collateral ligament and will not undergo surgery, but will need rest and recovery for at least six weeks.

This is a body blow for De Zerbi and Tottenham! The skipper, leader and most seasoned player in the squad, Romero has been influential for the North Londoners at both ends of the pitch this term. De Zerbi has already made it clear that the 2022 World Cup is pivotal to Tottenham avoiding the embarrassment of relegation. However, the new Spurs boss will not be able to call upon his skipper and leader for the remaining six games of the season due to a knee problem.