Injured Tottenham star called up to national team before he has even returned

Cristian Romero is a name that has recently been circulating around the world of football, particularly for fans of Tottenham Hotspur and the Argentina national team. As one of the most talented defenders in South America, Romero’s journey to the top of the football world has been marked by determination, impressive performances, and challenges.

In recent months, his career has taken some interesting turns that have had fans on the edge of their seats. One of the most notable recent developments has been his call-up to the Argentina national team despite being sidelined by injury and not featuring in any official matches for his club, Tottenham Hotspur, for almost four months. This has raised several questions about his current fitness, his relationship with his club, and the future of both his club and international career.

Romero’s journey in football began in his home country, Argentina, where he started his professional career with the Argentine club Belgrano. His rise to prominence came quickly, and after impressing with his skills as a solid and determined central defender, he moved on to bigger clubs. His performances caught the attention of clubs in Europe, and soon he was playing for Italian giants Atalanta, where he further developed his defensive prowess. His time in Italy served as a significant step in his career, as his performances in Serie A helped establish him as one of the best young defenders in the world. It was there that he started to gain widespread recognition, and soon enough, he was called up to represent Argentina on the international stage.

Romero’s national team debut marked the beginning of a promising international career. He played an integral role in Argentina’s successful Copa América campaign in 2021, contributing to the team’s defensive strength and helping Argentina win their first major international title in 28 years. His presence in the squad was crucial, and his performances were so impressive that many considered him one of the top defenders in South America at the time. As a result, his reputation grew, and he became a key player not only for Argentina but also for Tottenham Hotspur, who had secured his services in 2021 by bringing him in on loan from Atalanta, later making the move permanent.

At Tottenham Hotspur, Romero quickly adapted to the English Premier League, making an immediate impact with his defensive abilities and leadership on the pitch. His speed, composure, and tactical awareness earned him the trust of Tottenham’s managers, and he quickly became one of the team’s most reliable defenders. Fans of the club were excited to see how Romero would continue to develop and contribute to the team’s success in the Premier League and European competitions.

However, his time in England has not been without its challenges. Injuries have plagued the Argentine defender at various points in his career, and his recent injury troubles have caused concern among Tottenham fans. His last competitive appearance for Tottenham came in early November 2024 when Spurs faced Chelsea in a home match. Since then, Romero has been sidelined, leaving fans wondering about his fitness and when he would return to action. Despite this, the club has remained hopeful that he would recover soon and make a comeback. Over the past few weeks, reports have surfaced that Romero has been training with his teammates and is getting closer to full fitness.

Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, has been open about Romero’s recovery process. He confirmed that the Argentine defender has been making progress and could be available for Tottenham’s Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar, a crucial match in the club’s European campaign. Postecoglou’s comments have been reassuring for Tottenham fans, as the club will need all of its key players available in the coming weeks, especially with important Premier League fixtures on the horizon. Postecoglou’s faith in Romero is evident, and there is a sense of anticipation around his return to action.

Yet, as Romero’s fitness continues to improve, the situation took another turn. Despite not playing for Tottenham in several months, Cristian Romero was included in the Argentina squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. This decision raised several eyebrows, as it seemed somewhat premature given the defender’s lack of match fitness. Argentina is set to play two tough World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil, two of the biggest teams in South American football. These matches will be critical for Argentina’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, and securing a strong start to their qualification campaign is vital.

The inclusion of Romero in the squad for these important fixtures was surprising to many. On one hand, Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, is known for making bold decisions, and he may have decided that Romero’s experience and quality as a defender outweighed any concerns about his recent lack of game time. On the other hand, some people questioned whether this was the right decision, given that Romero had not played competitive football for several months and was still in the process of recovering from an injury. Tottenham, meanwhile, has been cautious with his recovery and has carefully managed his workload. Given that Spurs have some crucial fixtures coming up, including league matches and European competitions, there was concern about how much playing time Romero should be given.

The decision to call up Romero for the World Cup qualifiers also raised questions about the relationship between the Argentina national team and Tottenham Hotspur. It is likely that the two parties—Scaloni’s staff and Tottenham’s medical team—have been in constant communication to assess Romero’s fitness levels. National teams and clubs often have different priorities, and in this case, the Argentina national team seems to be placing their trust in Romero’s ability to recover quickly and make an impact on the pitch. However, Tottenham’s concerns about Romero’s fitness are understandable, as they want to ensure that their key defender is fully ready for the demands of top-level football in the Premier League and European competitions.

Romero himself has always been eager to represent his country, and it is clear that playing for Argentina means a lot to him. His passion and commitment to his national team are undeniable, and that passion is likely a driving force behind his desire to recover quickly and be part of the squad for these important qualifiers. Given that Romero is still relatively young and in the prime of his career, there is no doubt that he wants to take part in as many international tournaments as possible. However, the concern for Tottenham is that pushing him too soon could risk a recurrence of injury, which would affect both his club and country.

For Tottenham Hotspur, this situation presents a challenge. The club is in the midst of an important season, and with the competition in the Premier League and Europa League heating up, they need all of their key players fit and available. Postecoglou, who took over as manager at the start of the season, is looking to build a strong and competitive team that can challenge for top honors. Romero is an important part of that plan, and his leadership in defense is vital to the team’s success. However, Tottenham also needs to manage Romero’s recovery carefully, ensuring that he does not risk further injury by returning to action too soon. The club’s medical staff will likely be working closely with Romero to monitor his fitness and determine when he is ready to return to full match fitness.

As for Argentina, the national team is gearing up for what could be an exciting and challenging World Cup qualification campaign. After winning the 2021 Copa América, Argentina’s national team is riding high, and they are determined to defend their title at the 2026 World Cup. The inclusion of key players like Romero is crucial to their success, and his partnership in defense with other experienced players will be essential for the team’s chances of qualification. However, Scaloni and his staff must be careful with Romero’s workload, especially since the matches against Uruguay and Brazil will be high-intensity affairs. It is likely that the Argentina coaching staff will use Romero strategically, ensuring that he does not play the full 90 minutes in both matches if he is not fully match-fit.

Romero’s situation also brings to light the delicate balance that football clubs and national teams must strike when it comes to player welfare. Clubs like Tottenham Hotspur invest significant resources in developing and nurturing their players, and their priority is often to ensure that these players remain fit for the club’s season-long commitments. On the other hand, national teams have the responsibility of fielding their best available players for important competitions like the World Cup qualifiers, and they often face the challenge of managing player fitness and form in the midst of a crowded football calendar.

The decision to call up Romero for the World Cup qualifiers will likely have long-term implications for both Tottenham Hotspur and the Argentina national team. For Tottenham, it is essential that Romero returns to action gradually, ensuring that he is fully recovered before being thrown back into the intensity of competitive football. For Argentina, the challenge will be ensuring that Romero’s involvement in the qualifiers is managed carefully, so that he can contribute to the team’s success without risking further injury.

Looking ahead, it is clear that Romero’s career is at a crossroads. He is one of the most promising defenders in world football, and his future with both Tottenham Hotspur and the Argentina national team is bright. However, it is essential that both his club and his national team handle his recovery and involvement in a way that ensures his long-term health and success. Cristian Romero’s passion for football and his commitment to both his club and country are unquestionable, but the key now is for all parties to work together to ensure that he returns to full fitness and continues to perform at the highest level for many years to come.

As we continue to follow his journey, it will be fascinating to see how this situation develops, particularly in light of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Will Romero be able to make an immediate impact for Argentina, or will Tottenham’s cautious approach to his recovery be the right move in the long run? Only time will tell, but for now, fans of both Tottenham Hotspur and Argentina will be watching closely, hoping that their star defender returns to full fitness and continues to shine on the world stage.