Roberto De Zerbi delays Cristian Romero transfer decision at Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that a decision on club captain Cristian Romero’s future will be delayed until the end of their relegation-threatened season.
The Argentine centre-back was ruled out for the remainder of the current campaign after sustaining a knee injury against Sunderland last month.
However, the defender was recently pictured training individually at Hotspur Way without a protective brace.
He is desperately battling to regain full fitness ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Relegation fight takes priority
For the Italian head coach, securing top-flight survival remains the absolute priority over individual player situations.
The north London outfit currently need just a single point from their remaining two fixtures to mathematically avoid the drop.
Attention now turns to a crucial trip to Stamford Bridge to face London rivals Chelsea on Tuesday evening.
“I don’t know, but listen, we have to play another two games. Now, for our injured players, when are they available after a long time with injury?”
The Spurs boss emphasised that collective survival eclipses any individual return timelines for his sidelined stars.
“It is a big problem because the season is tough and only one target we have now. Play with Romero? Play with Vicario? Play with Kinsky? The target is just one and to stay up and make a point tomorrow.”
Summer transfer speculation
The World Cup winner is among several high-profile names heavily linked with a departure during the upcoming transfer window.
Despite acknowledging the need for clarity, the tactician insists now is the wrong moment for definitive choices.
“It is a good question, but it is the wrong timing, no? First of all now the focus is Chelsea.”
He reiterated his admiration for the player but stressed that commitment to the cause is paramount.
“Romero is a great player, and the most important is the behaviour and how much the player wants to stay in this club.”
Final assessments on the squad will only commence following their final-day fixture against Everton.