Tottenham suffer Cristian Romero blow ahead of Brighton test

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt another cruel injury blow after it was confirmed key defender Cristian Romero will be out for up to five weeks with a hamstring problem.

Argentine Romero only returned from a three-match ban at the beginning of December but is now facing another significant spell on the sidelines.

The 25-year-old picked up the injury during last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Everton and a scan has confirmed damage to his hamstring.

Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou has guided his team into Champions League contention despite having to cope without several key players, including Romero and the England midfielder James Maddison.

“Not so great with Romero," said Postecoglou ahead of tonight's trip to Brighton. “He had a scan the other day and has got a hamstring strain. We are looking at probably four or five weeks for him.

“Disappointing to lose him, for sure. We obviously missed him with the suspension and now we’ve just got him back and he steadied things up.

“Now he will be missing again for quite a chunk of time.”

Romero’s previous absence was compounded by defensive partner Micky van de Ven also being out with a hamstring injury.

Dutchman Van de Ven suffered the injury in the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea last month but is nearing a return. He said in an interview last week he could be back in as little as two weeks. His manager, however, was a little more circumspect.

“I think that's allowed him to go into games now with more confidence and self-belief”

Ange