(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Sun 24 May 2026 8:30, UK

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Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero has angered fans with the news that he will not be in attendance for their final day clash with Everton on Sunday.

The club captain has been ruled out of action through injury in recent weeks and is expected to be in Argentina to watch his boyhood club face River Plate, rather than being present at Spurs’ relegation decider.

That decision has angered fans in North London ahead of what is undoubtedly the biggest game of their season in the Premier League, and Roberto De Zerbi admitted that he understands the supporters’ frustrations.

The Lilywhites could still drop into the Championship next term if they are beaten by David Moyes’ Everton, with a negative result leaving the door open for West Ham to leapfrog them.

Tottenham’s entire season depends on the outcome of the final day clashes, and their skipper has been dropping cryptic hints in the build-up to the game.

Cristian Romero shares London-based Instagram story

Romero has been out of action for Tottenham since the 1-0 defeat away at Sunderland on 12 April, and it has been known for several weeks that his campaign in already over.

However, fans and pundits alike have been seething with the news that the captain won’t be present to support his teammates on Sunday.

Former Spurs star Glenn Hoddle has branded the decision as “scandalous,” according to BBC Sport, while ex-midfielder Jamie O’Hara labelled it as a “sackable offence” on talkSPORT earlier this week.

Romero himself has now responded to the outcry by sharing a cryptic photo which appears to show him in London on his Instagram story on Saturday.

The 28-year-old posted a photo of himself in a barber shop in Highgate, which has since been shared on X by Daily Hotspur.

It is unclear whether the photo was actually taken yesterday or whether the defender has simply re-posted an old image, but it has sent fans into speculation on X that he may yet be present at Sunday’s clash with Everton.

Clubs ready to exploit Romero release clause at Tottenham

Football Insider revealed back in April that clubs are already lining up a move for Romero this summer, after his dad revealed a release clause in his current contract.

The former Juventus man could depart North London for between £37.8million and £53m ahead of next season, and it is understood that there is no shortage of suitors willing to make a swoop for him.

There is also a strong feeling around the club that Romero is ready to move on after another tumultuous campaign, and that is likely to be the case regardless of whether the team are relegated.

De Zerbi’s men will see their fate decided one way or the other against Everton on Sunday, and it remains to be seen whether Romero has already shown his face at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the final time.