Alasdair Gold has dropped an injury update on Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero ahead of the Premier League meeting with Norwich City this Sunday.
What's the latest?
Speaking on a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, the football.london journalist revealed that, despite initial reports suggesting that the 24-year-old would miss the remainder of the season as a result of a hip injury, Antonio Conte has hinted the defender could be in line for a return to action against the Canaries this weekend.
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Regarding the current condition of the Argentina international, Gold said: "In terms of team news for Norwich, we're probably expecting roughly the same team [as the Burnley match].
"Interestingly, there were Conte quotes that I stuck out there a few days back, where he did admit that Romero - in his mind - was trying to get fit for this Norwich match, trying to put himself into a position to be fit for it. Whether that is wishful thinking, we'll find out in the days ahead."
Supporters will be buzzing
Considering the fact that Tottenham simply must avoid defeat at Carrow Road if they wish to give themselves the best possible chance of securing a top-four finish in the league come the end of the season, the hint that Romero could well be back in contention to face Dean Smith's side this Sunday is sure to have left Spurs supporters buzzing.
Indeed, over his 22 Premier League appearances this term, the £60m-rated centre-back has been in breathtaking form, helping his side keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 2.8 tackles, 3.3 clearances, 51.9 passes and winning 5.9 duels – at a success rate of 62% – per game.
These returns have seen the £31k-per-week defender average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.15, ranking him as Tottenham's joint fourth-best performer in the English top flight.
As such, it is clear for all to see that an early Romero return would provide Spurs' chances of going on to seal Champions League football with a huge boost this weekend, with Conte undoubtedly hoping that his defensive leader will indeed make it back in time for the crucial trip to Norwich.
AND in other news: Conte can finally axe "terrible" £91k-p/w dud as THFC eye bid for "unreal" £40m talent