Ange Postecoglou makes an encouraging comment about Cristian Romero’s chances of being available for the clash against Chelsea.
Cristian Romero
(Credit @thefrederikkejensen / Instagram)
Tottenham struggling for centre-backs
Ben Davies’ hamstring injury in the 1-0 loss to Bournemouth came as a huge blow to Spurs, who were already without both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
That means that the Lilywhites face the possibility of going into the big London derby on Sunday with Radu Dragusin as the only fit centre-back.
If that were the case, Postecoglou would likely be forced to start the inexperienced Archie Gray again in the heart of the Tottenham defence, which would be far from ideal for the Lilywhites.
Ange Postecoglou
(Credit: Hayters)
Ange Postecoglou not ruling out Cristian Romero’s return
However, Postecoglou has now refused to rule out the possibility of Romero featuring against Chelsea, although he admitted that the centre-back is not 100 per cent fit yet.
When asked about Romero, the Tottenham boss told Football.London: “He just hasn’t been able to feel 100%, but we’re closer now so there’s definitely light at the end of the tunnel. The first thing is that he feels more comfortable so hopefully, he’s available soon.”
When pushed on whether he might ask the 26-year-old to play even if he is not fully fit, Postecoglou said: “I don’t think I have to ask him. Cuti‘s the kind of guy if he feels he can get out there and help us, he will. I won’t have to twist his arm.”
Cristian Romero
Credit: @shooting.practice on Instagram
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Tottenham need Romero to play to have any chance
As talented as Gray is, to ask him to play an unfamiliar role in a game of this magnitude is a huge ask for someone so young and inexperienced.
Given the firepower that Chelsea have upfront, Romero needs to play for Tottenham to have any chance of getting a result.
However, Postecoglou will also be wary of rushing the Argentine back and potentially losing him for a longer period if he aggravates the injury.
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