Cristian Romero has been ruled out of Tottenham’s crunch meeting with Arsenal in a huge blow for the home side.
The Argentine defender has been an influential figure in Spurs’ improvement under Antonio Conte, earning plaudits after an impressive first season in England.
Romero has started 21 of Tottenham’s 35 Premier League games so far but will be replaced by Davinson Sanchez for the visit of Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Colombian has not started a League game since the loss at home to Wolves in February, partnering Eric Dier and Ben Davies in central defence.
Conte knows only a win will keep his side in the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
That is the only change for Tottenham, already without Japhet Tanganga, Oliver Skipp and Matt Doherty for the run-in.
Harry Kane leads the line and is flanked by Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevksi, with Emerson Royal and Ryan Sessegnon as full-backs.
“In the game against Liverpool he received a hit on his hip,” said Conte of Romero.
“After the game he had pain and is not right to recover.”
