Tottenham will be without defender Cristian Romero for up to five weeks due to a hamstring strain.
The Argentina centre-half was taken off during the 2-1 defeat of Everton on Saturday and could potentially miss the whole of January if boss Ange Postecoglou’s prediction is correct.
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Speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s trip to Brighton, the Australian said: “Not so great with Romero. He had a scan and he’s got a hamstring strain.
“We’re looking at four to five weeks with him.”
Postecoglou also played down claims from Mickey van de Ven that he may be back in a couple of weeks.
He added: “Where did he say that? Ah the darts. I wouldn’t put too much in what the players say mate.
“I don’t think [he’ll be back for] Burnley, maybe for Man United [on January 14] but I wouldn’t know until I see him in training. He’s at the tail end of it now.”
Spurs have looked light defensively for much of the season, largely due to Van de Ven’s hamstring injury sustained against Chelsea on November 6.
The January window offers the chance to bolster the squad but Postecoglou dismissed the idea that Romero’s injury increases the need to bring in new players.
He added: “No, it doesn’t change anything. It’s disappointing to lose him for sure. We missed him due to suspension, and now we’ve just got him back and steadied things up.
“It doesn’t change anything. You can’t accelerate time, January 1 stays January 1 irrespective of our situation. The plan is in the same shape.”
A team news update from Ange ahead of #BHATOT ????️ pic.twitter.com/mAjMIt4g4w
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 27, 2023
One player who has impressed in recent games is Richarlison, who has thrived after seeking help for a psychological issue.
Postecoglou said: “They are human beings. If you don’t feel 100 per cent in your self, physically or mentally…not that everything is rosy in his life, I’m sure he’s still got issues, but on the physical side you can tell he’s feeling a lot better about himself.
“That’s allowed him to go into games with more confidence and self-belief. There’s no doubt he’s a talented player.”
