Setback for Conte: Tottenham without 'world-class' star after pre-Norwich injury update

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has been dealt an injury setback ahead of his side’s crunch final day clash away to Norwich City.

The Premier League top-four chasers, under the guidance of Conte, are within touching distance of a previously unthought of Champions League qualification place.

Spurs need just one point to guarantee them a place in Europe’s most coveted competition for 2022/2023 whilst usurping arch rivals Arsenal to the punch.

Few would have predicted the Lilywhites being in this strong position, and barring an absolute disaster, they’re overwhelming favourites to seal fourth.

Facing off against the already-relegated Norwich at Carrow Road, all Tottenham need to do is avoid defeat this afternoon.

Looking to secure their place in Champions League, it does appear that Conte has been dealt a setback before today’s clash, with star defender Cristian Romero definitely unavailable.

There has been some slim hope that the South American could maybe fight his way back into contention, but as now confirmed, he is still sidelined and ‘will not recover in time’ (tottenhamhotspur.com).

There is little denying Romero is an absolutely pivotal star in Conte’s defence when available, as backed by his head-turning stats over 2021/2022.

According to WhoScored, no Spurs player has averaged more tackles (2.8), interceptions (1.5) or successful blocks per 90 (1) in the top flight this season with only Eric Dier making more clearances in that time.

Since arriving from Atalanta last summer, the Argentina defender has been a revelation, drawing acclaim from Tottenham pundits like John Wenham – who’s called Romero one of the club’s ‘world-class’ players (Football Insider).

While the 24-year-old’s absence comes as a setback for