Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero could still be carrying a knee problem, according to the ever-reliable Alasdair Gold...

What's been said?

The 23-year-old defender missed the start of the new Premier League season and has missed further game time since after he suffered the injury during Argentina's Copa America triumph this summer.

He started against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, just a few days after playing the full 90 minutes against NS Mura in the UEFA Europa Conference League and it appears as if the football.london reporter has spotted an issue.

Speaking on the latest episode of the 'Gold and Guest talk Tottenham' podcast this week, he said:

"I think he still has the little knee issues. I saw him limp a few times - this is why the international break, other than being an utter bore-fest, I just feel, for someone like Romero, two weeks for him to just rest that knee would be so perfect.

"But they just don't take it, do they? They don't, they just don't want to. They want to play for their country, and I get it. If you're an Argentinian and you're playing with [Lionel] Messi and all that and it's a huge honour, [so] I do understand it."

Worrying news

Romero, when he has featured under Nuno Santo this season, has played a major role and has impressed when given the opportunity. Even in defeat to Chelsea, the £31.5m-rated colossus was a shining light in amongst all the negativity.

It can't be too much of a coincidence that when Spurs suffered three straight heavy defeats, he only played once and then on his return to the Premier League starting XI, they only leaked one goal and finally won again.

As per WhoScored, Romero recorded a match-high eight clearances, on top of two tackles, two blocks and three aerial duels won, too.

It's that sort of towering and physical presence that the Lilywhites have long needed in defence, so the fact that Gold believes he's still carrying something - just as he's heading on international duty - has to be a major cause for concern for not just the supporters but Nuno Santo as well.

The Portuguese head coach must still be under pressure as one victory won't have changed much around N17. The side now has to deliver consistency on a regular basis.

That may be even harder to achieve with the 2020/21 Serie A 'Defender of the Year' back on the treatment table.

Argentina face Paraguay on their travels before two games at home against Uruguay and Peru, and then Spurs face Newcastle United just two days after the latter encounter.

Described as a "phenomenal" and "top, top defender" by Italian football expert Conor Clancy, Romero is a player that Tottenham very much need after the break and many around the club, including the fans, will be bitterly disappointed should he pick up an injury before then.

AND in other news, Nuno could wave goodbye to Pochettino fave with Spurs swoop for £32.5k-p/w "diamond"...