Tottenham will almost certainly be without Cristian Romero for one of their upcoming encounters.
Even through the struggles over the last 12 months, Romero has been a consistent performer for Tottenham.
Micky van de Ven has earned his plaudits recently, though the Argentinian’s defensive capabilities have allowed him to thrive alongside him.
Romero suffered a slight injury scare in Spurs’ latest clash, but it is for a different reason that he looks set to miss one of their upcoming fixtures.
Suspension looms for Cristian Romero ahead of Arsenal clash
Providing Romero is deemed fit enough, he is nailed on to start when Tottenham travel to face Arsenal after the international break.
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His aerial presence will be crucial when it comes to defending set pieces, given that it is the style of play adopted by Mikel Arteta’s side.
However, after Romero picked up his fourth yellow card of the season in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Man United, he is now just one card away from a one-game suspension.
Should that card arrive in the North London derby, which is quite likely, it would see him miss their next Premier League encounter at home to Fulham.
With Tottenham winless in their last six league fixtures at home, that clash is shaping up to be a crucial one for the future of Thomas Frank.
Cristian Romero must be on best behaviour vs Arsenal
On paper, Tottenham should have enough to beat Fulham with or without Romero, but given the pressure that is on Frank to deliver results at home, they can’t afford to take any risks.
So far this season, FotMob has recorded Romero averaging 1.32 fouls per game, so to have picked up four yellow cards may be seen as harsh.
Given the fact that the North London derby is up next, officiating may be slightly more lenient, but anything more than two fouls would almost certainly see him receive a suspension.
Last time out against the Gunners, Romero only committed one foul and escaped a booking, but given the clash will be at The Emirates this time, the atmosphere may play on his mind.