Antonio Conte has confirmed Cristian Romero will miss Tottenham’s two remaining Premier League games.
The Argentine was ruled out of Thursday’s huge win over Arsenal after picking up a hip injury during the draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
In his place, Davinson Sanchez was recalled for his first Premier League start since February, while the defence was already depleted in the absence of Japhet Tanganga, Matt Doherty and Sergio Reguilon.
Romero has proven a hugely important figure during his first season at Spurs, starting 21 Premier League games thus far and helping Conte’s side find form after a three-month injury lay-off between November and January.
While, on paper, Spurs will be favourites to beat both Burnley and Norwich, Romero’s absence is a big blow.
Conte needs to ensure his side are in position to pounce should Arsenal slip-up against Newcastle or Everton and only five of Spurs’ 13 clean sheets have come without their star defender.
“We understood in the last few days that Romero had a serious injury and has finished this season, because there are only two games to go and he has no time to recover for these two games,” said the Italian after beating Arsenal.
