Romero is out for the season, but De Zerbi is backing Tottenham Hotspur to survive in the Premier League

Roberto De Zerbi confirmed on Friday that Cristian Romero will miss the remainder of Tottenham’s battle for Premier League survival but remains optimistic that just one win can change his side’s fortunes.

Romero suffered a knee injury, which could also threaten his place in Argentina’s World Cup squad, during last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in De Zerbi’s first game in charge.

“I’m really sorry for him and his injury,” De Zerbi said.

“Romero loves Tottenham first and foremost and people should know that he is suffering from this injury and because he cannot play for us again this season,” he added.

Without a win in fourteen league games, Spurs are two points behind safety with six games remaining.

But a win against De Zerbi’s former club Brighton on Saturday would propel Tottenham out of the bottom three for at least 48 hours.

«I think it is crucial to win a match, not only for the table. Of course, part of the table for sure, but we have to re-feel what it is like to win a match and what it can do. I have no doubts about the quality of the players,» said De Zerbi.

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In an effort to build team chemistry, De Zerbi took his players out for dinner in London’s Mayfair this week. The Italian is happy to pick up the bill for more dinners in the coming weeks if he is rewarded with results on the pitch.

“The food was great and if we win I am willing to pay for one dinner every week,” said the former Marseille coach.

«I am positive, I am ready to fight and I believe in retaining the Premier League (status). I believe in the words I said last week. The focus is on winning one match,» he added.

Rodrigo Bentancur could make his return from a three-month injury layoff against the Seagulls. However, first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario remains out after surgery for a hernia.

Published on April 17, 2026