Cristian Romero injury update after Tottenham captain forced off during Argentina win | OneFootball

Spurs skipper appeared to aggravate his previous injury

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has moved to allay any injury fears after he was forced off during Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria.

The Spurs centre-back missed the last six Premier League games of the season after injuring his right knee during a collision with his own goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky, but had battled back to fitness in time for the World Cup.

Romero, whose Spurs future remains in doubt, started and played 80 minutes as defending champions Argentina begun their World Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Algeria last week.

However, his withdrawal just 12 minutes into the second half against Austria raised concerns over his fitness and he will undergo tests to discover the severity of the issue.

Romero has said he is optimistic he will be fit in time for Argentina’s final group game against Jordan, though Lionel Scaloni is expected to rotate his side with one eye on the knockouts.

“I knew this could happen to me. I had a little issue there, I felt it again, but in 3 or 4 days I’ll be fine again, so that’s that,” Romero said.

“It’s nothing serious. Keep the head up and I'll come back stronger than before”.

A crucial part of the Argentina side that lifted their first World Cup since 1986 four years ago, Romero’s influence has not waned despite Spurs’ struggles last season.

We don’t know the extent of Cuti Romero’s issue; it’s something he’s been dealing with for a while now

Lionel Scaloni

Scaloni is counting on Romero, and said he hoped the 28-year-old’s injury was not serious.

“We don’t know the extent of Cuti Romero’s issue; it’s something he’s been dealing with for a while now,” Scaloni added

“We hope it’s nothing serious. Not only because he’s important, even though he can be replaced, but it’s always important to have everyone available. He’ll undergo tests tomorrow or the day after.”