Doctor: Tottenham star likely to be ruled out of AZ Alkmaar clash with Grade 3 injury

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero remains sidelined with a Grade 3 muscular injury, as confirmed by injury specialist Dr. Rajpal Brar.

The extent of the Argentine’s absence has created uncertainty regarding his return, with no definitive timeline established for when he can resume playing without significant injury risk.

The prolonged nature of his layoff complicates his recovery process, making it difficult to predict when he will be match-fit again.

Having already missed nearly three months of action, Romero faces a gradual reintegration process before he can return to Tottenham’s starting lineup. Even with the upcoming Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar on March 6, he is not expected to be available unless he manages to rejoin full first-team training at least a few days prior to the fixture.

Without sufficient preparation, Ange Postecoglou is unlikely to take the risk of including him in such a crucial encounter.

Dr. Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, provided his insight into Romero’s situation while speaking exclusively to Tottenham News.

He indicated that the severity of the injury suggests a Grade 3 muscular tear, with an added complication arising from the amount of time the defender has already missed this season.

If this issue is a recurrence, the club must be extra cautious in managing his return. There is no fixed timeline for when Romero can return to the starting XI without significant injury risk. The final decision will depend on how he responds to bounce matches and gradually increasing minutes in competitive fixtures.

Dr. Brar remains skeptical about Romero’s chances of being available for the next match, emphasizing that he would need at least three to four days of full first-team training before he could be deemed fit for selection.

With Romero unlikely to feature against AZ Alkmaar, Tottenham will have to rely on alternative defensive options to fill the void. Kevin Danso and Archie Gray appear to be the most probable centre-back pairing for the European tie, having already played together against Manchester City in the previous fixture.

Their recent partnership provides a level of continuity at the back, though the absence of Romero remains a significant loss for the squad.

Tottenham’s defensive depth has been tested throughout the season due to multiple injury setbacks, forcing Postecoglou to make adjustments regularly.

While Danso and Gray have stepped up in challenging situations, the lack of Romero’s leadership and defensive expertise continues to be a major concern. His aggressive style, aerial dominance, and ability to read the game have been sorely missed, particularly in high-stakes encounters where defensive solidity is crucial.

The Argentine international’s unavailability also affects Tottenham’s tactical setup, as Postecoglou prefers a high-pressing defensive system that demands mobility and composure from his centre-backs. Romero’s experience in such a system makes him a vital component of the squad, and his absence disrupts the overall balance of the backline.

While Danso has shown promising signs of adapting to the role, the lack of a seasoned partner alongside him places additional pressure on Tottenham’s defensive unit.

With the team pushing for progress in the Europa League, Tottenham will need to find a way to compensate for Romero’s absence. The upcoming clash against AZ Alkmaar presents a tough challenge, and Postecoglou must ensure his defensive setup remains resilient against a team known for its attacking prowess.

While Danso and Gray offer a temporary solution, Spurs fans will undoubtedly hope for Romero’s swift return to bolster their squad for the crucial fixtures ahead.

As Tottenham navigate the final stretch of the season, managing Romero’s recovery effectively will be paramount. Rushing him back into action prematurely could risk further setbacks, which is why the club’s medical staff must take a measured approach.

The goal will be to reintegrate him gradually, ensuring he returns at full strength without compromising his long-term fitness.

Although his absence poses difficulties for Tottenham in the short term, the club must focus on finding stability within the available squad. With key European and domestic fixtures approaching, Postecoglou will rely on his squad’s depth to maintain competitiveness.

Romero’s return will undoubtedly strengthen the team, but patience and careful management will be essential in ensuring he makes a full recovery before stepping back onto the pitch.