Carlos Romero
VIL
Left Back
Possession Builder
Oct 29, 2001 (24)
Left
5'9"
161 lb
Suffers fresh injury setback
Romero (undisclosed) has suffered another injury setback and has been ruled out for Saturday's derby against Valencia, according to coach Inigo Perez. "He won't be with us tomorrow in Valencia."
Analysis: Romero faces another spell on the sidelines after picking up a fresh injury that will prevent him from featuring in Saturday's derby against Valencia. The defender had recently recovered from a previous undisclosed issue that forced him to miss two consecutive matches, subsequently returning to full team training and receiving clearance to resume competitive action. However, his latest setback raises renewed concerns about his fitness, particularly after an interrupted start to the 2026/27 campaign. Romero started four of his six La Liga appearances this season, establishing himself as an important defensive option. With the defender unavailable again, Sergi Cardona should be the leading candidate to occupy the left-back position against Valencia. The nature and severity of Romero's latest injury remain unclear, with no definitive timetable established for his return.
Fit for play
Romero (undisclosed) is an option for Monday's match against Betis and further matches after training this week, according to manager Inigo Perez, per Victor Franch of Marca. "Carlos has completed the week with the team; there is just this afternoon's training session left, and in principle, he should be available tomorrow."
Analysis: Romero was facing some doubt this week due to an undisclosed injury, but has returned to action, with the defender available through training this week. After missing two games in a row, this is a major return for the club, as he started at left-back in three straight games to begin the season. There is a slight chance he gets to go from the start, with Sergi Cardona as another option.
Unlikely to face Betis
Romero (undisclosed) worked away from the group again in Friday's session and appears unlikely to be available for Monday's meeting with Real Betis, Castellon Plaza reports.
Analysis: Romero has been out since sustaining a muscle problem in training ahead of the Deportivo La Coruna fixture, an absence that already cost him Villarreal's Champions League opener and now looks set to extend through Monday's home meeting with Real Betis. With coach Inigo Perez scheduled to train the squad through Sunday morning there are still three days for his condition to change, though working separately at this stage points against a place in the squad. Sergi Cardona has covered at left back in his absence and is the likely choice again.
Not playing in UCL opener
Romero (undisclosed) won't be an option for Tuesday's game against Dortmund, according to manager Inigo Perez. "Juan [Foyth] and Carlos [Romero] didn't travel with us; they're not available for tomorrow."
Analysis: Romero was a late scratch from Villarreal's starting XI for Saturday's match against Deportivo due to discomfort that appeared in the hours before kickoff, and he didn't train Monday, so it's not surprising to see him sidelined for the UCL opener. Sergi Cardona is expected to remain the starter on the left side of the defense.
Doubtful against Dortmund
Romero (undisclosed) was a late scratch from Villarreal's starting XI for Saturday's match against Deportivo due to discomfort that appeared in the hours before kickoff and he is a doubt for Tuesday's Champions League opener against Dortmund as he wasn't spotted in team training on Monday, according to A Punt Esports.
Analysis: Romero's big move to Villarreal this summer has yet to bring the same production he showed at Espanyol, where he tallied six goals and three assists last season, though he had offered glimpses of attacking output with two shots and two chances created across his first three games. His absence adds to the one of Juan Foyth (undisclosed), already ruled out with a separate physical issue, as coach Inigo Perez makes several changes in search of the club's first league win of the season.
Slow start in new colors
Carlos Romero had one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Friday's 1-0 loss to Deportivo Alaves.
Analysis: Romero's big move to Villarreal this summer has yet to bring the same production he showed at Espanyol in defense and attack, where he tallied six goals and three assists last season. The left back has offered glimpses of attacking output regardless, managing two shots and two chances created along with six tackles across his first three games, though he remains without a goal contribution or a win in his new colors.
Signs contract extension until 2031
Romero has signed a contract extension with Villarreal until June 2031, two years beyond his previous deal, and will join the first team squad for the 2026/27 campaign after two successful loan spells at Espanyol, the club announced.
Analysis: Romero developed through Villarreal's academy before progressing through the B team in the second division, and his back-to-back seasons at Espanyol established him as one of the best defenders in La Liga, with his performances in the most recent campaign particularly standing out. Romero now returns to his parent club for what promises to be an exciting and demanding season in which Villarreal will compete in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. The club expressed their pride in securing the long-term future of one of the most promising products of their academy, with Romero set to add competition and quality to the first team defensive options heading into the new campaign.
Scores with season high blocks
Carlos Romero scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 victory over Osasuna.
Analysis: Romero starred on both sides of the ball, scoring the opening goal and delivering a standout defensive performance with 13 contributions, highlighted by three tackles, three interceptions, three clearances and a season-high four blocks. He has now delivered goal contributions in back-to-back matches after his assist in the previous game and is enjoying his most productive offensive campaign, with six goals and three assists in 35 starts.
Sets up opening goal
Romero had an assist while taking two shots (one on goal), crossing three times (one accurate) and creating a chance during Wednesday's 2-0 win over Athletic Club.
Analysis: Romero set up Perre Milla in the 69th minute assisting the opening goal of the match. The assist was the first goal involvement since March 1st for Romero despite being a locked in starter at left back. The fullback has combined for seven shots, three chances created and five crosses over his last three starts.
Defensive standout in loss
Carlos Romero recorded two shots (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 1-0 loss against Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: Carlos Romero led the Espanyol defensive effort Thursday with four tackles (three won) as they were undone by a late Rayo Vallecano goal in a 1-0 defeat. The defender's 90-minute shift marked his ninth successive full 90. Additionally, Carols Romero has won at least one tackle, at least one interception and at least one clearance across each of his last three appearances (three starts).
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