Tottenham are starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel with Cristian Romero’s recovery. The defender steps up his rehabilitation work in London following the knee injury he suffered last month.
Romero has missed a key stretch of Spurs’ season since going down against Sunderland in April. Moreover, given Tottenham’s position near the bottom of the table, losing their captain and defensive leader could hardly have come at a worse time.
The Argentine has remained one of the few reliable figures in an extremely turbulent campaign. His absence has been felt both defensively and emotionally, especially with Spurs fighting to stay in the Premier League.
Now, though, there are signs he is moving closer to a return.
Romero changes plans to stay with Tottenham
Cristian Romero had initially planned to travel back to Argentina to continue his rehabilitation at the national team training centre in Ezeiza. Instead, he has decided to stay in London.
According to Diario Crónica, Romero changed plans because of Tottenham’s survival battle. Furthermore, his desire to remain close to the club during the final weeks of the season influenced his decision.
Argentina’s medical staff then adapted to the situation by sending kinesiologist Luis García to England to help oversee the process directly.
There are also positive developments physically. The report explains Romero is now out of the knee brace. He has already progressed into more active rehabilitation exercises. The defender himself hinted at that progress by posting photos of the work on Instagram.
That marks another important step after Romero was diagnosed with a Grade 1 injury to the collateral ligament in his right knee. The original recovery estimate was between six and seven weeks.
Spurs need Romero back quickly… don’t they?
Tottenham’s need for Romero hardly needs explaining at this point.
Even under Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs have looked fragile. Romero’s absence has only increased that feeling. He brings technicality, leadership and passion to a side that has lacked consistency throughout the campaign.
According to WhoScored data, Romero averages more than 2 tackles per match. He remains one of Tottenham’s strongest players in aerial duels and recoveries. Indeed, those numbers underline how much defensive work runs through him.
It is still curious, however, that Spurs only picked up their first Premier League wins of 2026 after the Argentine was sidelined with the injury.
The interesting part is that his recovery is now being managed with two separate objectives in mind.
Tottenham want him back as soon as possible for the relegation fight. Argentina, meanwhile, are also carefully monitoring one of Lionel Scaloni’s key players ahead of the World Cup.
Diario Crónica explains that the friendlies against Honduras and Iceland are viewed as potentially crucial for Romero’s preparation before Argentina open their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16.
Atlético Madrid links return again
The report also revives the familiar transfer talk around Romero’s future. Even though he signed a new Tottenham contract until 2029 last year, there is still a feeling in Argentina that he could look for a move after the World Cup.
Atlético Madrid are again being mentioned as a serious possibility, especially after Diego Simeone extended his own contract in Spain. Romero has been linked with the Spanish side multiple times over the past year. The admiration there is well known.
For now, though, the focus remains on recovery.
Romero appears determined to return in time to help Tottenham through the final weeks of the season, while also making sure he reaches the World Cup in the best condition possible.