Tottenham star wins back World Cup starting place – Injury concern eases

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero looks set to return to Argentina’s starting XI for their World Cup last-16 clash. He came through training without any problems.

According to Olé, Lionel Scaloni has effectively settled on his preferred centre-back pairing whenever everyone is fit. This pairing features Romero alongside Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez.

That was the combination Argentina started the World Cup with. Even though Romero arrived at the tournament short of match fitness after the knee injury, it followed the injury he suffered during the closing weeks of Tottenham’s season in early April.

Argentina’s coaching staff deliberately managed his workload. Romero was substituted late in the opening match against Algeria as part of a planned fitness programme. Later, he suffered a minor issue against Austria. Although the defender reportedly wanted to continue, he was taken off as a precaution and veteran Nicolás Otamendi stepped in.

Otamendi also featured against Jordan, while Romero remained on the bench and did not even warm up in boots as Argentina took no risks with his recovery.

Back on track

Olé now reports Romero has trained normally with the squad on both Monday and Tuesday in Kansas, with no setbacks.

If he maintains that level through the remaining sessions and feels no pain, he is expected to return to the starting line-up against Cabo Verde. This would happen exactly as Argentina had planned.

That would see Romero reunited with close friend Lisandro Martínez at the heart of the defence. Meanwhile, Otamendi returns to a backup role.

The update will also come as welcome news for Tottenham. Romero’s knee injury disrupted the end of his club campaign. Spurs will be encouraged to see the 28-year-old regaining full fitness on the biggest stage.

Argentina clearly view the Tottenham defender as one of the first names in their defence when available, and this latest report suggests Scaloni is ready to restore that hierarchy as the knockout rounds begin.