Cristian Romero
TOT
Left out of squad for Malaga opener
Romero (fitness) was not included in Atletico Madrid's squad for Wednesday's season opener against Malaga, with the recently signed center back only having resumed training in recent days.
Analysis: Romero, officially unveiled just last week, is still working his way up to full fitness after joining coach Diego Simeone's group, and the limited preparation time since his arrival made him unlikely to feature this early. His continued individual buildup will be the key thing to track over the coming days as he pushes toward a debut. Romero is expected to be assessed further before being considered for selection in Atletico's next fixture. David Hancko, Robin Le Normand and Marc Pubill remain the options in his absence at the back.
Uncertain for Wednesday opener
Romero worked individually as Atletico Madrid resumed training Monday in Majadahonda ahead of Wednesday's season opener against Malaga, according to El Chiringuito TV.
Analysis: Romero, officially unveiled as an Atletico signing on Saturday, is still building up his fitness after joining Diego Simeone's squad and has yet to train normally with the rest of the group. Whether the center back takes part in full sessions this week will depend on his recovery progress and the limited preparation time available before the opener. Romero is expected to remain a doubt for the Malaga match given the short turnaround since his arrival. David Hancko, Robin Le Normand and Marc Pubill are options to start in a back three if Romero is not ready.
Signs with Atletico Madrid
Romero signed a contract with Atletico Madrid through June 2031, joining from Tottenham Hotspur, according to the club.
Analysis: Romero made 156 appearances for Tottenham across five seasons, tallying 13 goals and seven assists while helping the club lift the 2024/25 Europa League trophy, a competition in which he was named both Player of the Tournament and Player of the Final as Spurs ended a 31-year wait for European silverware. The 28-year-old Argentina international has earned 58 caps for his country, winning the 2022 World Cup, the Finalissima and two Copa America titles before most recently finishing as runner-up at this summer's World Cup, and he now brings that championship pedigree to Atletico Madrid's back line. Romero is expected to become the centerpiece and vocal leader of the Colchoneros' defense, with reports suggesting manager Diego Simeone could shift to a back three, a setup tailor-made to maximize the center-back's qualities. The defender was forced off with an apparent injury in the World Cup final against Spain and will likely need to build his fitness ahead of his debut with Atletico.
Forced off with injury
Romero was forced off in the 70th minute of Sunday's match against Spain due to an apparent injury.
Analysis: Romero would be the second center-back to leave the field for Argentina on Sunday, as the defender couldn't continue due to an injury. With 20 minutes left to play in the final, this is a major loss for the team, with Nicolas Otamendi and Facundo Medina now serving in the middle of the defense. Romero ended the tournament, starting in all seven of his World Cup appearances while recording one goal, 10 interceptions, 16 tackles and 27 clearances. More importantly for the center-back, this comes just a month ahead of the start of his season with Tottenham, hoping the injury is only minor.
Busy defensively
Romero had four tackles (three won), 10 clearances and two interceptions in Wednesday's 2-1 win versus England. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 51st minute.
Analysis: Romero had everything to do defensively throughout Wednesday's clash. He repeatedly shut down the English attack and was brilliant controlling the box. Romero will be left with an ever larger task as he heads to take on Spain in the World Cup final, which is set up to be another cagey brutal affair in the backline.
Anchors defense in victory
Romero generated one shot (zero on goal) in Saturday's 3-1 win versus Switzerland. He was subbed off due to injury in the 105th minute.
Analysis: Romero registered one block, one interception and two tackles across his 105 minutes in Saturday's 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland before being replaced by Nicolas Otamendi, combining with Lisandro Martinez to limit Switzerland's attacking threat after Dan Ndoye's equalizer and contributing to the defensive organization that kept the Swiss to one goal across 120 minutes despite their sustained pressure following breel Embolo's red card. The Tottenham Hotspur centre-back's physical authority and ability to dominate aerial duels remain essential qualities heading into the England semi-final.
Scores one goal
Romero scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Egypt.
Analysis: Romero delivered the key contribution to Argentina's turnaround in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Egypt, rising to meet Lionel Messi's teasing delivery from the right to power a header into the net in the second half and reduce the deficit to 2-1, sparking the comeback that ultimately produced the 92nd-minute winner, also registering one shot, two interceptions and three tackles (three won) and four aerial duel wins across his 89 minutes. The centre-back's goal came at the most crucial moment of Argentina's knockout campaign, and his physical dominance and defensive authority heading into the quarterfinals make him one of the most important players in the world champion's squad.
Notches three interceptions
Romero generated one shot (zero on goal) in Friday's 3-2 victory versus Cape Verde.
Analysis: Romero would not leave the field for Argentina as the defender helped them win the match, recording a clearance, two tackles and three clearances despite two goals allowed. He would see the second most touches in the match, only being bested by his fellow center-back, Lisandro Martinez. Romero should remain a starter throughout the tournament as long as he remains fit.
Set to start vs. Cape Verde
Romero (knee) has returned to full training with the Argentina squad's starting group and is expected to start against Cape Verde barring any late setback, according to World Soccer talk.
Analysis: Romero had been forced off during the second group stage match against Austria with knee discomfort and missed the subsequent fixture against Jordan, making his return to full training a significant boost for coach Lionel Scaloni heading into the round of 32. The center-back is expected to partner Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the Argentine defense, with Nicolas Otamendi set to drop to the bench as Scaloni restores his preferred defensive pairing for what promises to be a crucial knockout stage fixture against Cape Verde.
Trains fully, set to start
Romero trained fully on Monday with the Argentina squad and is expected to start Friday's round of 32 fixture against Cape Verde, the latest sign of a favorable recovery from the knee knock suffered against Austria, according to ESPN.
Analysis: Romero had missed the match against Jordan in the group stage finale as Argentina rested their regular starters, with Nicolas Otamendi covering in his absence. His full participation in training is the clearest indication yet that he will regain his starting spot alongside Lisandro Martinez at center-back, with coach Lionel Scaloni using Tuesday and Wednesday's sessions to finalize his lineup ahead of the knockout stage opener in Miami.
Positive return from MRI
Romero (knee) had a positive MRI showing no sign of injury, though he still has some moderate pain, with the staff hopeful he will be available for the round of 32 fixture against Cape Verde on Friday, according to Bola Vip.
Analysis: Romero had missed the match against Jordan as Argentina rested their regular starters, and the encouraging scan results put any serious concern to rest even as he continues managing some discomfort. Nicolas Otamendi will start alongside Lisandro Martinez at center-back if Romero is unable to return in time for Friday's round of 32 clash against Cape Verde.
Won't play vs. Jordan
Romero (knee) won't be an option for Saturday's game against Jordan, according to Gaston Edul of TyC Sports.
Analysis: Manager Lionel Scaloni won't risk any of the regular starters against Jordan, and Romero, who exited the win over Austria with a knee problem, will be out altogether. Romero will aim to return for the Round of 32, with Nicolas Otamendi and Marcos Senesi being options to start alongside Lisandro Martinez at center-back as his replacement.
Needs several days of rest
Romero (knee) expects to be fine within three to four days after feeling discomfort again from a previous injury, expressing confidence the issue is nothing serious, according to La Redonda. "I knew this could happen to me. I had a little issue there, I felt it again, but in three or four days I'll be fine again, so that's that. It's nothing serious. Keep the head up and I'll come back stronger than before."
Analysis: Romero has not been ruled out for Saturday's final group-stage clash against Jordan, with his recovery timeline leaving the door open for a return within the next four days. The center-back remains a cornerstone of Argentina's back line, and with the team already locked in as group winners, the coaching staff can afford to take a cautious approach rather than rush him back before he is fully ready. Nicolas Otamendi and Marcos Senesi are in line for expanded roles at the heart of the defense if Romero is forced to spend additional time on the sidelines.
Expected to miss Jordan game
Romero (knee) is reportedly ruled out for Saturday's match against Jordan due to the injury he suffered in the previous contest, according to Gaston Edul of TyC Sports.
Analysis: Romero is still awaiting a diagnosis on the severity of his issue, but with Argentina already qualified as group leaders, they have no need to take risks in the next clash, so the defender could have plenty of days to work on his recovery ahead of the round of 32. He's an essential piece of the squad's back line, so his absence will likely reduce their ability to prevent goals against. Nicolas Otamendi and Marcos Senesi will now become viable options to enter the rotation, with Otamendi expected to cover for the injured player if he faces an extended absence.
Set for testing, hopeful of minor injury
Romero (knee) is set for testing in the coming days, but is not expected to be anything significant, according to manager Lionel Scaloni, per TyC Sports. "We don't know the extent of his issue. It's something he's been dealing with; let's hope it's nothing. He'll undergo tests tomorrow or the day after."
Analysis: Romero was off early in Monday's win but will now undergo tests on his knee, with the hope that nothing significant is revealed. The good news is Argentina has won its group and will be able to rest players against Jordan in the group stage finale, with Romero likely to be among those players. If this is the case, Nicolas Otamendi will enter the starting XI in his place, replacing one veteran with another.
Off with knee injury
Romero was forced off in the 57th minute of Monday's match against Austria due to an apparent knee injury, according to manager Lionel Scaloni, per TyC Sports. "Let's hope that the thinkwith Cuti is nothing."
Analysis: Romero was taken off the field early in the second half Monday, and it appeared to be due to an injury, as he was pictured with ice on his knee. This would be a major blow for the Argentine team, as he is a solid veteran defender for them. If scans show anything significant, it could knock him out for some time, so this will be watched closely. Nicolas Otamendi came on in his place, likely to be a replacement in the starting XI if Romero misses time.
Minimal fantasy impact
Romero recorded two tackles (one won) and two clearances in Tuesday's 3-0 win versus Algeria.
Analysis: Romero partnered at center-back with Lisandro Martinez, but the Tottenham defender didn't have a lot of work and earned most of his fantasy value via the clean sheet. That could be the outcome as well when Argentina takes on Austria on Monday, June 22, as that's another game where Argentina should dominate possession.
Plays 27 minutes
Romero (knee) appeared off the bench for 27 minutes in Saturday's 2-0 win over Honduras.
Analysis: Romero got back on the field for a friendly ahead of the World Cup, as the defender played for 27 minutes later in the contest. This is his first appearance since ending the league season with Tottenham, a major return for Argentina for the World Cup. He will now compete for a starting spot at center-back heading into the World Cup, as Nicolas Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez appear to be starters as of now.
Joins group training
Romero (knee) has started to work with the rest of the squad as he looks to take part in Argentina's friendly games prior to the World Cup, Gustavo Yarroch of Radio La Red reports.
Analysis: Romero made meaningful progress in his recovery since joining the Argentinian national team and was finally ready to work with the ball in the latest practice. Having yet to make an official appearance since April 12, the central man could see a gradual return to regular activity, and he'll eventually challenge Nicolas Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez for starting spots. If given the opportunity, Romero should be an elite defensive asset given his clearance numbers and clean sheet chances.
Working with national team
Romero (knee) is completing his rehabilitation from an MCL sprain with the Argentinian squad and is expected to be an option at some point during the World Cup, according to TyC Sports.
Analysis: Romero rejoined his national teammates after making a short trip to London to support his club in the EPL season finale, even though he was still unable to play. The central man should feature as one of Argentina's leaders on the pitch if he's ready to appear in the international competition. However, he has been sidelined since April 12, so he might require some time to regain form. In any case, he's expected to be in contention with Nicolas Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez for starts in a back line that could have solid clean sheet chances in the initial fixtures.
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