Tottenham captain Cristian Romero will miss Sunday's crucial relegation match against Everton after flying to Argentina to watch boyhood club Belgrano. The defender, sidelined with a knee injury since April, faces criticism for prioritizing personal commitments while Spurs fight Premier League survival. De Zerbi defends the decision, noting "not all leaders are the same" as Spurs sit 17th, two points above the drop zone.

Romero's absence comes after reports emerged he would skip the Everton match to attend the Argentine club's title decider. De Zerbi explained the decision was made between Romero and medical staff to complete rehab with Argentinian specialists. The manager acknowledged fan frustration while maintaining his support for the player who signed a contract until 2029 last August.

The defender's commitment has been questioned despite his recent contract extension, with De Zerbi refusing to speculate on Romero's future. "For the future, I don't know," the manager stated, focusing instead on the immediate need for his team to "play with blood, character and spirit" in what he calls "a final" for Tottenham's survival.