Cristian Romero is set to be almost 7,000 miles away from north London on Sunday afternoon as Tottenham Hotspur face one of the most significant matches in their recent history. The Spurs captain, already ruled out through a knee injury, appears to be heading to Argentina — and the noises out of Buenos Aires suggest he will be in the stands for a domestic cup final rather than anywhere near a Premier League ground.

A captain absent at the crunch

Romero, 28, suffered the knee injury against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in April and his season was confirmed over shortly afterwards. His physical absence from Sunday's fixture against Everton was therefore already a given. What has raised eyebrows is where he appears to be spending his weekend.

The Argentina international posted a social media image of himself boarding a private jet with his family, and on Thursday he was pictured at the training ground of his boyhood club Belgrano in Córdoba. South American football expert Tim Vickery has told talkSPORT that Romero is expected to attend Belgrano's AFA Liga Torneo Apertura final against River Plate, which kicks off at 19:30 BST — some three-and-a-half hours after Spurs welcome Everton to north London at 16:00.

Belgrano's president Luis Artime has reportedly confirmed that Romero is using the club's training facilities as he continues his recovery. The 2022 World Cup winner recently posted a congratulatory video for Belgrano after they qualified for their first Argentina Primera Division Apertura final, and the pull of that occasion is evidently strong.

What Spurs need on the final day

The stakes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday could hardly be higher. A win for Roberto de Zerbi's side guarantees Premier League safety — an outcome that would maintain Spurs' ever-present record in the top flight, which stretches back to 1977-78. A draw should also be sufficient given Tottenham's superior goal difference over 18th-placed West Ham United.

West Ham head into the final round two points behind Spurs and need to beat Leeds United at home to stand a realistic chance of survival. The mathematics are tight but favourable for Tottenham, provided they do not slip up against an Everton side that will arrive with their own end-of-season agenda.

De Zerbi praised Romero's role around the squad ahead of Tuesday's defeat by Chelsea, acknowledging the captain's efforts to lift his team-mates despite his own injury. The Argentine has remained a presence at the training ground and has attempted to inspire those around him. Whether that influence carries weight across a transatlantic journey on the most important afternoon of Spurs' season remains to be seen.

World Cup race adds another layer

Romero's recovery timeline carries an extra dimension beyond club football. As a key figure for the reigning world champions, he is racing to be fit for this summer's World Cup and every week of rehabilitation counts. It is not uncommon for players recovering from long-term injuries to return to former clubs for treatment, particularly when based abroad. Whether Romero is receiving ongoing treatment in Argentina alongside his Belgrano commitments has not been confirmed.

BBC Sport have approached Tottenham for comment, and his absence for Sunday's fixture is yet to be formally confirmed by the club. De Zerbi is due to speak to the media on Friday, at which point the situation may become clearer.

For now, Spurs must prepare to fight for their Premier League status without the man wearing the armband — and that is a peculiar state of affairs whichever way you frame it.

Frequently asked

Why is Romero not playing for Spurs against Everton?
Cristian Romero suffered a knee injury against Sunderland in April 2025 and his season was ruled over at that point. He is not fit enough to play and is currently in Argentina.
Do Spurs need to win to stay in the Premier League?
A win guarantees Spurs' Premier League safety. A draw should also be enough due to their superior goal difference over 18th-placed West Ham, who would need to beat Leeds United to have any realistic chance of overtaking them.
What time is Spurs vs Everton on Sunday?
Tottenham host Everton on Sunday with kick-off at 16:00 BST.