Tottenham Hotspur will have to play their opening Europa League group stage match against Qarabag without Cristian Romero. Romero, the World Cup-winning vice-captain, is unavailable due to a red card he received two seasons ago during Tottenham’s last European campaign. Despite his improved discipline since then, the suspension stemming from that red card still stands.
According to UEFA rules, Romero’s suspension must be served because of the two-year time limit on enforcement of decisions for one or two-match suspensions. Even though it has been two seasons since the incident, the sanction is still active, and Romero will miss the match against Qarabag.
The absence of Romero poses a defensive challenge for Postecoglou, especially with Micky van de Ven recovering from injury. Postecoglou will have to rely on Radu Dragusin as the third natural senior centre-back, with Ben Davies capable of filling in if needed. The manager may need Davies at left-back if Destiny Udogie is unavailable, as Djed Spence, who can play on either flank, has been excluded from the Europa League squad due to registration constraints.
Postecoglou must carefully manage his squad to navigate the upcoming European fixtures without further defensive setbacks. As the team prepares for their European adventure, the focus will be on maintaining a solid defensive line despite the absence of key players like Romero and van de Ven.
In the midst of these challenges, Tottenham fans can stay updated on the latest team news and analysis through platforms like football.london. The website provides in-depth coverage and insights into all things Spurs, ensuring fans are informed and engaged throughout the season.
As Tottenham gears up for their Europa League journey, the importance of squad depth and tactical flexibility will be crucial. Postecoglou’s strategic decisions and the players’ adaptability will play a significant role in the team’s success in European competition.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as Tottenham navigates through the Europa League group stages and beyond. The journey promises to be filled with excitement, challenges, and opportunities for the team to showcase their talent on the international stage. Tottenham fans can look forward to an action-packed season ahead, with plenty of unforgettable moments to come.
