Tottenham Hotspur’s centre-back Cristian Romero will be sidelined for at least a month due to a hamstring injury, leaving the Premier League club in need of a replacement, according to manager Ange Postecoglou. Romero, who is an Argentina international, was forced to come off at halftime during Tottenham’s recent 2-1 home victory over Everton. This setback comes on top of Micky van de Ven’s absence since early November, with no expected return until next month. As a result, the team is now missing their two top central defenders and requires reinforcements for backup.
The search for a new centre-back
Postecoglou confirmed the length of Romero’s absence and acknowledged the need to find another player to provide depth in the centre-back position. He emphasized that the focus is on finding a player with the right profile and characteristics rather than being limited by whether they are left-sided or right-sided. The manager highlighted the importance of having options and versatility within the squad, allowing for flexibility in tactics and formations. The search for the ideal centre-back will involve assessing the available options and making a decision based on the team’s specific requirements.
In addition to Romero and Van de Ven, Tottenham Hotspur has a number of other long-term absentees. James Maddison, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Ashley Phillips are all currently unavailable due to injuries. However, Postecoglou expressed relief that the rest of the squad managed to get through recent matches without further injury concerns. While there may be a few players nursing sore bodies, the team has had a relatively easier training week, allowing for some recovery time.
Postecoglou also praised Brighton and their manager Roberto De Zerbi for their impressive achievements this season. Brighton is currently sitting in ninth place in the Premier League and has successfully reached the knockout stage of the Europa League in their debut season in Europe. The manager commended Brighton’s unique style of play and their well-run club structure. He highlighted the importance of respecting their different approach in a league known for its competitiveness and resistance to change.
Moving forward
As Tottenham Hotspur prepares for their upcoming Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, the absence of Cristian Romero poses a significant challenge for the team. With the injury leaving them without their top central defenders, the manager emphasized the need to find a suitable replacement to provide depth and flexibility in their defensive options. The search for a new centre-back will require careful consideration of individual profiles and characteristics. Furthermore, Postecoglou’s admiration for Brighton’s success serves as a reminder of the need to approach each match with respect and a willingness to adapt. Despite the obstacles, Tottenham Hotspur will need to regroup and focus on finding solutions to ensure a strong performance in the coming weeks.