Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed that his side will be without Cristian Romero for at least four weeks after he sustained a hamstring strain against Everton last week. Spurs are struggling with growing injury concerns, with Micky van de Ven not expected to return in the next few matches either.
Tottenham have made a strong start to the season, winning 11 of their opening 18 matches to assert themselves as top four contenders and potentially outsiders in the title race. Postecoglou’s side were an unstoppable force during the opening few months of the campaign before injuries began to stack up in north London.
Summer signing Van de Ven has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early November, though he is not expected to return until January at the earliest. However, Tottenham’s problems have worsened in the meantime.
After being substituted off for Eric Dier at half time against Everton, Romero is now set for a spell on the sidelines, Postecoglou has revealed. Speaking ahead of his side’s trip to Brighton, the former Celtic boss explained: “Not so great with Romero. He had a scan and he’s got a hamstring strain. We’re looking at four to five weeks with him.”
Romero has been key for Spurs since Van de Ven’s absence and his injury has only increased Tottenham’s need to sign another top-quality centre-back in the January transfer window.
Postecoglou also shot down speculation that Van de Ven is capable of returning in the near future, despite the player reportedly talking up his chances of a return to fitness whilst watching live darts earlier this month.
Asked about the player’s comments, the Australian coach replied: “Where did he say that? Ah the darts. I wouldn’t put too much in what the players say mate. I don’t think [he’ll be back for] Burnley, maybe for Man United but I wouldn’t know until I see him in training. He’s at the tail end of it now.”
