Cristian Romero was at the side of the pitch before Tottenham's game against Everton. Club captain Cristian Romero has returned to London from Argentina for Tottenham Hotspur's crunch final match of the Premier League season at home to Everton.

The 28-year-old, who was ruled out of the game because of a knee injury, was expected to watch his boyhood club Belgrano play River Plate in the Argentina Primera Division Apertura final on Sunday. However, the defender is instead at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where a win for the home side will guarantee Premier League survival and a draw will also realistically be enough because of their vastly superior goal difference compared to West Ham United's.

Earlier this week, head coach Roberto de Zerbi defended his captain's expected absence from the game but also said he "100%" understood why fans were upset about it. De Zerbi added that the decision for Romero, who is racing to be fit for the World Cup, to return to Argentina to continue his rehabilitation was agreed with the club's medical staff.

The Premier League: Spurs and West Ham bid to avoid drop on final day. Why the stakes are so high for Spurs and West Ham.

Former Spurs captain and manager Glenn Hoddle criticised Romero, calling his decision "scandalous", while ex-Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham said he "can't believe" that the Argentina defender was allowed to leave.

Romero recently posted a video of congratulations to Belgrano, who have qualified for their first league final.

De Zerbi refused to comment on Romero's future at the club, which may be impacted by Sunday's result.

This video can not be played. Why the Spurs' captain won't be at the season finale.

Latest Tottenham news, analysis and fan views. Ask about Tottenham - what do you want to know?