Ange Postecoglou prioritizes Cristian Romero's recovery over match urgency

In the lead-up to the match against Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur's manager Ange Postecoglou addressed the media regarding Cristian Romero's fitness. Romero, who has been nursing a toe injury for the past month, had to prematurely leave his international duties with Argentina and missed crucial matches for Spurs, including their recent competitive encounters against Manchester City and a European fixture. Despite the quick turnaround between matches, Postecoglou made it clear that he will not rush Romero back into the lineup, emphasizing the importance of full recovery over immediate participation in matches. This decision comes as the Spurs also face significant absences from other key players, including Micky van de Ven, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, and Rodrigo Bentancur, who is currently serving a domestic ban. The manager asserted that his approach to tactics and team identity will not waver, even in light of injuries and absences. He believes that to achieve the club's long-term goals, it is essential to maintain a consistent and entertaining playing style rather than opting for a more pragmatic approach that might yield short-term results. He expressed satisfaction with the team's performance in their recent draw against Roma, emphasizing a desire for excitement on the pitch and aiming for a winning mentality moving forward. Overall, while the immediate future may pose challenges for Tottenham, Postecoglou appears committed to building a team philosophy that thrives on attacking football and player welfare.