Sunday’s Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur was interrupted for an extended period after Antonin Kinski and Cristian Romero clashed over pacing.
Cristian Romero leaves the pitch in tears after clashing with Tottenham teammate Antonin Kinski (Image: Getty Images)
On Sunday, Cristian Romero left the Stadium of Light pitch in tears after a painful collision with Antonin Kinski saw play suspended for eight minutes. The injury blow will be a major concern for struggling Spurs as they lose 1-0 and fear of relegation deepens.
After a competitive first half, the Black Cats took the lead just over 15 minutes into the second half. Nordi Mukiele charged towards the Lilywhites’ area at great speed and fired a deadly shot from the edge of the box. The Frenchman’s shot veered wildly, tripping Kinski in the process and spilling into the back of the goal.
Already a goal had been taken away, but just a few seconds later things got even worse. With Romero looking to protect the ball from the Sunderland striker, Brian Brobbey chased the ball into Kinski’s box.
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But in the process, Romero’s knee appeared to collide with the Spurs shot-stopper’s head, and both fell to the grass, writhing in pain. Medics rushed in to treat both players, with Romero on his stomach and Kinski on his back, and play was halted for about eight minutes.
Kinski required a heavy head bandage due to an injury he sustained in the game, but was fine to continue, but this was a ray of hope for Roberto De Zerbi, given Tottenham were already without Guglielmo Vicario due to hernia surgery.
Brandon Austin traveled to Northeast as Kinski’s backup, but his duties were ultimately not needed. But for Romero it was a completely different situation.
The Argentine replaced Kevin Danso and was spotted teary-eyed as he dragged himself across the hallowed Stadium of Light turf. Several Spurs players consoled the emotional defender as he trudged off the pitch.
The injury will become yet another headache for Roberto De Zerbi as he struggles to choose a team amid a deepening injury crisis.
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In addition to Vicario being sidelined for a short period following surgery, the club is currently without Wilson Odbert, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies and Mohamed Kudus.
It comes as De Zerbi is fully aware of the challenges they face with their remaining six games following Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Sunderland.
The Italian signed a long-term contract with the club last month, replacing Igor Tudor, who left by mutual consent just 44 days after taking over from sacked manager Thomas Frank.
Antonin Kinski was able to play (Image: PA)
At the time of writing, the Lilywhites sit 18th in the Premier League table, having been overtaken by West Ham United by two points after Friday’s 4-0 win over Wolves.
Spurs’ next game is at home to De Zerbi’s former club Brighton on Saturday 18th April, followed by a trip to Molineux a week later.
Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton form Tottenham’s last four, with their fate to be decided in May. The relegation will be the club’s first season outside of England’s top flight since the Premier League’s inception in 1992.
