Injured but Not Forgotten: Cristian Romero’s Call-Up to Argentina’s Squad
Tottenham Hotspur’s star centre-back, Cristian Romero, has received a significant boost in his recovery journey as he has been included in Argentina’s preliminary squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Uruguay on March 21 and Brazil on March 26. Despite not having played competitively since his groin injury in early December, the inclusion raises questions about his fitness and readiness for such high-stakes games. Romero’s absence has been a notable void for Tottenham, and his return is eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.
A Glimpse into Romero’s Recovery
Romero’s injury occurred during a dramatic 4-3 loss to Chelsea at home on December 8, where he had to be substituted off the field. Since then, his recovery has been described as a "slow-burner" by Tottenham’s manager, Ange Postecoglou. However, there have been positive signs, with the Argentine defender being spotted training towards the end of January. Postecoglou’s recent comments indicate that Romero is nearing a full return to action, though the cautious approach suggests that his fitness is still a work in progress.
Postecoglou’s Optimistic Outlook
Speaking on the matter last Tuesday, Postecoglou provided an update on Romero’s status, mentioning that the centre-back would likely miss the midweek trip to the Netherlands for the Europa League first leg against AZ Alkmaar on March 9. However, the manager is optimistic about Romero’s availability for the Sunday game against Bournemouth and the Europa League second leg on March 13. "The first European game I’d say outside chance for any three of them," Postecoglou said, referring to Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Dominic Solanke. "Certainly they’ll be back training fully by then, and I reckon much better odds for that. And definitely, by the second European game they should all be available to play."
The International Break Conundrum
Postecoglou’s cautious optimism is tempered by the looming international break, which presents a unique challenge. The manager expressed a desire to have the players up and running before the break, given the busy schedule ahead. "We’ve got a little window where hopefully we can get something into them, and we still have two European games and three league games between now and the international break, so I really want them up and running by then," he added. This sequence of matches will be critical for Romero to regain match fitness and form, potentially influencing his role in the international qualifiers.
Argentina’s Faith in Their Star Defender
Despite Romero’s prolonged absence, Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has shown confidence in the 25-year-old’s abilities. Scaloni’s decision to include Romero in the preliminary squad underscores the defender’s importance to the national team and their belief in his capability to recover and perform at a high level. For a manager known for his tactical acumen and trust in his players, this move is a clear indication that Romero’s contributions are highly valued, even in his current state.
A Return to the Pitch and Beyond
For Cristian Romero, this call-up is both a testament to his reputation and a testament to his determination to overcome injury setbacks. While his return to the Tottenham lineup is crucial, his presence in Argentina’s squad highlights the broader impact of his skills on the international stage. As he inches closer to a full recovery, fans and teammates can hope for a strong performance from the dynamic defender, both in club and country colors. The coming weeks will be pivotal in Romero’s journey, and his efforts to get back on the pitch are sure to inspire many.
