Full Breakdown
Tottenham captain Cristian Romero heads to Argentina as Spurs face relegation decider
5/23/2026, 1:19:12 PM
The final-day showdown and Romero’s absence
Tottenham Hotspur travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 25 May to host Everton in a match that will decide whether the club remains in the Premier League. The north-London side sit 17th with 38 points, two ahead of 18th-placed West Ham United (36 points). A win guarantees survival; a loss combined with a West Ham victory would relegate Spurs for the first time in 49 years. Defender and club captain Cristian Romero, sidelined with a knee injury since a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland in April, will not be in the stadium.
Background & Context
Romero’s injury was sustained in the 32nd round against Sunderland and has kept him out for the remainder of the season. He signed a contract extension in August 2023 lasting until 2029 and has made 156 appearances for Tottenham, 23 of them in the current campaign. The club’s recent form includes eight points from five games after the injury, leaving the survival race to the final day.
Timeline
- 12 Apr 2025 – Romero injures knee vs Sunderland.
- 11 May 2025 – Romero attends Spurs’ match against Leeds United.
- 13 May 2025 – De Zerbi confirms Romero’s rehab plan with Tottenham and Argentine medical staff.
- 14 May 2025 – Romero travels to Argentina, training with his boyhood club Belgrano.
- 25 May 2025 – Tottenham vs Everton – relegation decider.
Key Figures & Groups
- Cristian Romero – Tottenham captain, Argentina international.
- Roberto De Zerbi – Tottenham manager.
- Ciro Palermo – Romero’s agent.
- Luis Artime – President of Belgrano.
- Glenn Hoddle and Teddy Sheringham – Former Spurs players criticizing Romero’s decision.
- Tottenham supporters – Expressing anger on social media.
- Argentina national-team medical staff – Assisting Romero’s rehabilitation.
Data & Statistics
- Tottenham: 38 points, 17th; home record: 2 wins in 18 Premier League games.
- West Ham: 36 points, 18th; face Leeds United the same day.
- Romero: 156 total Spurs appearances, 23 this season; out for the season after April injury.
- Available defenders for Sunday: Dominic Solanke, Djed Spence, Ben Davies, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso.
Official Statements & Responses
De Zerbi said the decision for Romero to travel was made jointly with the club’s medical team and Argentine specialists, emphasizing that the plan had been in place for weeks. He stressed that the squad must focus on the Everton match, noting the availability of Solanke and Spence and urging fans to support the team. The club’s communications highlighted unity and asked supporters to “stay behind the players” for the decisive game.
Criticism & Opposition
Former Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle called Romero’s trip “shameful” and “selfish,” while ex-striker Teddy Sheringham warned it set a “bad precedent” for a captain ahead of the club’s most important match. Fans on social media described the move as “disgraceful” and questioned Romero’s commitment, with some suggesting it could signal his departure.
Why It Matters
Relegation would end a 49-year top-flight run, triggering significant financial losses and likely prompting a reshuffle of the squad and management. Romero’s future, already linked with a possible move to Atlético Madrid, is now under heightened scrutiny.
Verbatim Quotes
- “100%, I understand.” — Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham manager
- “He spoke with the medical staff. Together, they decided to go to Argentina to complete the rehab,” — Roberto De Zerbi
- “london: "Any suggestion that the trip was made for the purpose of attending football matches is entirely inaccurate.” — Ciro Palermo, agent
- “It is shameful that the captain returned to his homeland just to watch a football match when the team is on the verge of relegation.” — Glenn Hoddle, former Spurs player
- “not all leaders are the same” — Roberto De Zerbi
What’s Next
Spurs face Everton at 16:00 BST; West Ham play Leeds later that day. The outcomes will determine whether Tottenham retain Premier League status or join the Championship for the first time since 1978. Subsequent discussions about Romero’s contract and potential transfer are expected to follow the final-day results.
