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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

Thomas Frank reveals Cristian Romero injury latest in new four-man Tottenham update for Chelsea

Romero has not played for Spurs for almost a month - (Getty Images)

Cristian Romero is fit to face Chelsea in a major boost for Tottenham.

The centre-back has not played for Spurs for almost a month, having pulled out of their defeat to Aston Villa straight after the international match in the warm-up.

Romero has been training individually and making progress in his recovery from the adductor injury, though Frank has repeatedly said there is "no timeframe" for his return.

But, ahead of the visit of Chelsea on Saturday, the Spurs boss has now confirmed he is ready to return.

Destiny Udogie, who has been out for the same period with a knee injury, is also fit in another boost for Spurs.

Thomas Frank’s Spurs face Chelsea on Saturday (Getty Images)

Frank said: “Both Romero and Destiny are available for selection for the squad.”

On Romero, Frank said: "Very aware of trying to be able to make the best possible decisions. In the end I'll get a lot of decision from the medical staff but in the end it's always on me. If a player breaks down, it's on me.

“If he was fit enough, he'd have been involved Wednesday. He's ready to be involved tomorrow, let's see how much.”

Guglielmo Vicario is also available, as is Wilson Odobert after recovering from a side strain.

Spurs remain without Dominic Solanke and it is uncertain when the striker will be available again after ankle surgery, but it will not be until at least after the international break.

The 28-year-old is yet to start a match under Frank and has not played a single minute since coming off the bench against Manchester City in August.

"Very aware that we want him back,” said Frank on Solanke. “Hopefully touch wood have him back and no setbacks.

“We are very aware of doing it the right way. So it's going in the right direction. He'll not be available before the international break - that's the status now."

Even with Romero, Udogie, Vicario and Odobert fit, Frank is still contending with a long injury list.

Archie Gray is out with a calf injury, a particular blow for Spurs when they are so short at the back considering his versatility.

Radu Dragusin will not make his long-awaited return from an ACL injury until after the international break and summer signing Kota Takai remains unavailable.

On Takai, Frank said: “Quad. He is about to be training soon.”

A hamstring injury continues to keep Ben Davies on the sidelines, while Yves Bissouma has had ankle surgery and it is uncertain whether James Maddison will play again this season after an ACL injury.

Spurs will hope to have Dejan Kulusevski back before the end of the year. The Swede has been out since May with a knee injury and would add some much-needed attacking spark to the team.

On Kulusevski, Frank said: “Still not on the grass. Working very hard to get him fit as quick as possible.”

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