Gus Poyet says Tottenham star is key to Premier League survival, but he can't play until March 15

Gus Poyet has now stated that Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is a vital piece for the club if they are to avoid relegation this season.

Tottenham Hotspur currently need all the help they can get as they look to retain their Premier League status this season.

However, at the moment, they are short of options, with injuries and suspensions keeping several players out.

In the north London derby, Igor Tudor had only 13 senior first-team players at his disposal, while a further 12 were unavailable.

Tottenham suspension latest: Gus Poyet says Cristian Romero is vital for Spurs survival

Among those currently sidelined is Cristian Romero, who is suspended following a red card in the clash against Manchester United.

The Argentine has been serving a four-game ban and is expected to return on 15 March in the clash against Liverpool, although he will miss Tottenham’s next two London derbies against Fulham and Crystal Palace.

Former Tottenham midfielder Gus Poyet has now stressed how crucial Romero is to Spurs’ survival hopes, while acknowledging that his aggressive streak can sometimes hurt the side.

Speaking about Romero’s temperament and importance, Poyet told BetWright: “Cristian Romero is clearly a player that wants to win football matches.

“But when he goes over the top or gets sent off, he can be a problem for the team or the manager, because they really miss him when he is not playing.

“The criticism he has received is probably exaggerated because of the current position Spurs are in; they have just sacked Thomas Frank and are sitting near the relegation zone, so there is naturally more pressure and blame going around.

“Romero is exactly who Spurs needed on the pitch against Arsenal; his character is perfectly suited to those kind of intense derbies.

“I hope he uses his time away from the pitch wisely, because sometimes when you are suspended and take a few weeks off, you return with a fresh mindset having learned a lot from sitting on the sideline.

“Spurs have a far better chance of winning matches when Romero is in his best form – on the pitch but also mentally.”

Spurs defence will improve as Cristian Romero nears return

Spurs’ back line was all over the place against Arsenal, with Joao Palhinha and Radu Dragusin struggling to contain the Gunners’ attack, but that should change when Romero returns.

The Argentine may have moments of recklessness, yet there is no denying he is a world-class option who elevates this Tottenham side, not just with his defending but also with his passing.

Romero is not the only Tottenham player nearing a return for Spurs, as Tudor confirmed that both Kevin Danso and Pedro Porro are possibilities to feature this week.

• READ MORE: Tottenham fans predict points haul from Fulham to Sunderland as relegation battle intensifies

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