Tottenham Hotspur’s leaky defence has taken another hit as its leading man has been banned for four matches.
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Last weekend, Spurs captain Cristian Romero was sent down the tunnel after receiving a straight red card against Manchester United.
The Argentina international went in for a studs-up challenge in the 29th minute, striking the leg of midfielder Casemiro. After a VAR check, Romero was found to have committed a serious foul, and was immediately sent off by referee Michael Oliver.
Man United went on to win the game 2-0, thanks to goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes.
Speaking after the game, Spurs manager Thomas Frank said: “He's apologised to his team-mates in the changing room. He's one of our most important players. He doesn't have any intention to get a red card.
“He's apologised to the team and that's enough for me right now, there's nothing more to do.
"The red card is a red card - I've watched it back five times. Cuti tried to go for the ball.
“You play with passion and aggression and there's a fine line.”
Why is Romero banned for four games?
Ordinarily, when a player is shown a straight red card in the Premier League, they are automatically banned for the next three league games.
But Romero is in a unique position, having already been sent off once this season - against Liverpool in December.
Because he has already seen one red card during this domestic campaign, Romero’s ban is extended to four matches.
Which games will Romero miss?
This week, Tottenham host Newcastle on Tuesday, February 10 - which will be the first game of Romero’s four-match ban.
Crucially, he will miss the north London derby against Arsenal on Sunday, February 22.
The 27-year-old will also not feature against Fulham on March 1, or against Crystal Palace on March 5.