Rom's Off - Tottenham Captain Cristian Romero ABANDONS Relegation Decider Against Everton... To Watch a Game in Argentina

Cristian Romero ABANDONS Relegation Decider

Cristian Romero is facing criticism after reports emerged that the Tottenham captain will not be present for the club’s season-defining Premier League clash against Everton on Sunday, instead travelling to Argentina to watch his former side Belgrano in a potential title-deciding fixture.

The defender has been ruled out through injury after suffering a knee problem during Tottenham’s defeat to Sunderland last month, but many supporters had expected him to still be with the squad at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for what is unquestionably the biggest domestic game of the club’s history. Spurs head into the final day still not mathematically safe from relegation after a disastrous collapse during the second half of the campaign.

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Tottenham captain Cuti Romero won't be in attendance at Tottenham's match against Everton.

Instead, he traveled to Argentina to watch the Argentinian league's final between River Plate and Belgrano.

The interesting part is that if Tottenham lose this game… pic.twitter.com/sDfoYLL27r

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) May 21, 2026

Romero is understood to have returned to Argentina, where Belgrano — the club where he began his professional career — are preparing for a crucial meeting with River Plate. The fixture could have significant implications in the Argentine title race and is reportedly one the World Cup-winning defender was determined to attend while continuing his rehabilitation.

The timing of the trip has sparked a furious reaction among sections of the Tottenham fanbase. Supporters reacted angrily across social media after news of Romero’s absence emerged, with many questioning whether a club captain should choose to be thousands of miles away while his side prepare for a match carrying enormous pressure and consequence.

Tottenham’s season has unravelled dramatically in recent months. Earlier in the campaign, Spurs looked clear of danger, but a prolonged run of poor performances has dragged Roberto De Zerbi’s side into an unlikely relegation battle. Although Tottenham remain outside the relegation zone and possess a superior goal difference over West Ham, defeat against Everton combined with West Ham winning would produce one of the darkest moments in the club’s modern history. Spurs are still yet to win at home in the Premier League in 2026.

"If I understand there is any player who thinks of themselves before the club, I can't be the same Roberto" 💬

Roberto De Zerbi on the news that Tottenham Hotspur captain, Cristian Romero, may not be in attendance for their important Premier League game this Sunday. pic.twitter.com/wUu6Hl8LET

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 22, 2026

Against that backdrop, Romero’s decision has inevitably become a major talking point. Former Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle was among those reportedly unimpressed by the situation, while several pundits also criticised the optics of the defender travelling abroad rather than remaining with the squad for the decisive fixture.

Romero has often divided opinion during his time in north London. There is little doubt over his quality when fully fit, with the Argentine widely regarded as one of Tottenham’s best players, but injuries and suspensions have repeatedly disrupted his availability this season. His aggressive style and emotional personality have also made him both a fan favourite and a source of frustration at different stages of his Spurs career.

Despite the growing criticism, De Zerbi refused to publicly condemn his captain during Friday’s pre-match press conference. The Italian insisted Romero has “always shown his desire” to help the side and stressed that the defender remains unavailable through injury. De Zerbi also made clear that he would not allow outside distractions to affect preparations for Sunday’s encounter.

🚨Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero will NOT be at Spurs' relegation shoot-out against Everton.

✈️The defender has opted instead to go and watch his beloved Belgrano in the final against River Plate on Sunday.#THFC | #COYS | #TOTTENHAM | #SPURS pic.twitter.com/32Loi6ysgR

— Last Word On Spurs (@LastWordOnSpurs) May 21, 2026

Instead, the Spurs boss delivered an emotional message ahead of the Everton game, calling on his players to show “blood, character and spirit” in what he described as a “final” for the club. De Zerbi has endured a turbulent start in charge after arriving after the sacking of Igor Tudor, who only managed to claim one point in the Premier League with Spurs.

There was at least some encouraging news for Tottenham ahead of Sunday’s clash, with Dominic Solanke expected to return from injury. Djed Spence is also available despite recently suffering a broken jaw, providing De Zerbi with additional options. If Tottenham secure survival, attention will quickly turn towards a major summer rebuild after a deeply disappointing campaign. It is however not a good look for a player who is likely to leave Spurs in the summer regardless of the outcome.