‘Going to get tested’: £42m Tottenham player subbed off with injury last night, will miss next international game

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2024/25 season has been a challenging one, with the club struggling to find consistency and currently sitting in 10th place in the Premier League standings. Fans had high hopes for the season, but a series of injury setbacks, poor form, and mounting frustrations have left the team with more questions than answers. One of the most pressing issues for manager Ange Postecoglou is the growing list of players sidelined through injury, further complicating Tottenham’s efforts to turn things around.

As the international break approached, several Spurs players departed for international duty, but concerns over their fitness have continued to mount. The latest injury scare comes with defender Cristian Romero, who, despite carrying a toe injury sustained against Manchester City, featured for Argentina in their recent friendly. However, it seems Romero may have aggravated the injury while away on international duty. According to Argentine journalist Gastón Edul, the 26-year-old defender played through pain in his right foot and is now at risk of missing Argentina’s upcoming match. The news raises doubts about his availability for Tottenham’s next few fixtures, as the team already grapples with defensive issues.

Romero’s injury is particularly concerning given the already depleted state of Tottenham’s defense. In addition to Romero, Spurs are also without Micky van de Ven, who has been sidelined with his own injury. As a result, Postecoglou has had to rely on Radu Dragusin, a player who has come under criticism for some subpar performances in recent weeks. Dragusin, a relatively inexperienced defender, has faced tough challenges filling in for the missing stars, and his performances have only added to Tottenham’s defensive woes.

The timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse for Tottenham, who are already struggling with a lack of depth and defensive stability. It has led to speculation that the club may need to strengthen their defensive options in the upcoming transfer window. Tottenham have reportedly held discussions over a potential move for German defender Jonathan Tah, who will be available on a free transfer next summer. The speculation comes amid growing rumors that Real Madrid is also interested in signing Romero, further complicating the situation for Spurs.

Troy Deeney, the former Premier League striker, has also weighed in on Romero’s leadership qualities. Despite the Argentine’s reputation as one of Tottenham’s most talented defenders, Deeney suggested that Romero has yet to prove himself as a true leader in the squad. Deeney’s comments may be seen as a challenge to Romero, but they also highlight the potential difficulties that could arise if the defender is sidelined for an extended period. With key defensive players out injured, Spurs may find themselves even more exposed at the back, especially with the added pressure of upcoming fixtures.

Tottenham’s defensive issues are compounded by the club’s broader struggles this season. The team’s inconsistency has been a major issue, with a lack of cohesion and resilience resulting in dropped points. Gary Neville, the former Manchester United defender, has even suggested that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy may be looking to sell the club, adding fuel to the fire of speculation surrounding the club’s future. For Postecoglou, these injury setbacks are just one of many challenges he must navigate as he seeks to stabilize the team and get Spurs back on track.

With the international break providing a brief respite, Tottenham will hope that some of their injured players, including Romero, can return to fitness in time for the busy run of fixtures ahead. However, the growing injury list, combined with the ongoing struggles in defense, means that Tottenham’s season remains in the balance. Fans will be hoping that Postecoglou can find a way to rally the team and address the issues at both ends of the pitch, but with more injuries potentially on the horizon, it will be a tough road ahead for the North London club.