Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has been handed a timely lift on the injury front, with positive updates arriving alongside Rodrigo Bentancur’s expected return.
Romero out for season, Bentancur nearing comeback
Spurs have suffered a major blow after confirming that captain Cristian Romero will miss the rest of the season following an injury picked up against Sunderland. The defender, seen as a key figure by De Zerbi alongside Mohammed Kudus, now joins the Ghanaian on the sidelines for the remainder of the campaign.
Romero was injured during Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light after being shoved into goalkeeper Antonín Kinský by Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey. Both players required treatment, but while Kinský was able to continue with a head bandage, Romero’s injury has ruled him out long-term.
Tottenham face a tough run-in, with key fixtures against Brighton, Wolves, Aston Villa, Leeds, Chelsea, and Everton still to come. Meanwhile, De Zerbi’s side sit just two points behind West Ham in 17th place, firmly in a relegation battle.
There is, however, some encouraging news. Bentancur has returned to training and could be available for the upcoming clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, now managed by Fabian Hürzeler.
In addition, James Maddison is back on the training pitch after a long spell out with an ACL injury suffered during pre-season. While his return is a positive development, the club are taking a cautious approach and he is not expected to feature in matches just yet as he continues his recovery.
Reports suggest Maddison’s comeback is being carefully managed, with a gradual reintegration plan in place. Former interim boss Igor Tudor had previously hinted at a possible return before the end of the season, leaving some hope for a late impact.
The 29-year-old was a standout performer in Ange Postecoglou’s final season, contributing 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, including important goals against top opponents like Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool.
With Spurs struggling for creativity throughout the campaign, Maddison’s eventual return could provide a crucial boost for De Zerbi as the season reaches its decisive stage.
