Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven BOTH go off injured against Chelsea after Ange Postecoglou risked their inclusions in Tottenham starting XI following spells on the sidelines

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero cut a tearful figure as he hobbled off the pitch against Chelsea during his first game back from injury on Sunday, before his centre back partner Micky van de Ven joined him.

The Argentinian made his first appearance in 35 days against rivals Chelsea in a feisty London derby having been sidelined with a previous foot injury against Aston Villa at the start of November.

He was the surprise inclusion in Ange Postecoglou‘s starting XI against Enzo Maresca‘s travelling Blues with supporters and pundits hailing his return to the pitch such is Romero’s impact on the team.

The Spurs boss had earlier claimed it would be a touch-and-go decision on whether Romero would be fit enough to feature following his return to training late in the week, but started against Chelsea.

Romero started his 12th Premier League appearance of the season brightly, but was left reeling in agony on the playing surface after just 15 minutes.

With confidence high after the hosts stunned Chelsea by taking an early two-goal lead, Romero attempted a backheel during one exchange in open play and shortly afterwards was left appearing in serious discomfort.

Romero appeared to be in agony after going down on the pitch following a backheel attempt

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou (left) embraced Romero as the defender left the pitch

Concern quickly grew as Tottenham physios rushed onto the pitch and Romero looked gutted as he was substituted just moments later with Radu Dragusin replacing him alongside Micky van de Ven in defence.

The 26-year-old limped straight down the tunnel to receive further treatment on what club staff will be hoping isn’t another long-term layoff and grimaced upon returning to the dugout.

He also shared a brief embrace with Postecoglou who also looked concerned as Romero trudged off to applause.

A frustrated Romero sat steely-faced while watching the final few minutes of the first-half but was fortunately not appearing to use any crutches or wearing a protective boot of any sort.

And things went from bad to worse for the home side, when van de Ven was withdrawn in the second half after appearing to feel a twinge in his hamstring.

Chasing back for an attack, the Dutchman, who was even more of a surprise inclusion than his World Cup winner team-mate, broke his strike and his the deck holding the back of his leg.

It had appeared that the decision to include both players, in place of Dragusin and Andre Gray, backfired. Van de Ven had not played since October 30. 

Disheartened Spurs supporters were quick to issue their feelings on Romero’s latest setback, with some accusing the club for rushing the key defensive figure back into action too quickly.

Romero momentarily hid his face with his shirt after being subbed off just 15 minutes into the derby clash

One annoyed fan vented at Romero’s early substitution, posting on X: ‘We’ve rushed Romero back ain’t we.’

Another supporter further added: ‘Tough luck for Cuti Romero wishing him a speedy recovery after his return was cut short.’

Spurs will now do a deeper investigation to discover the extent of Romero’s latest complaint heading into the busy festive run of fixtures that the club desperately want to pick up big points from.

Romero has endured a largely injury-hit career at Tottenham since moving to the club three years ago with his longest stint in the treatment room seeing the World Cup winner miss 18 games for both club and country.