Tottenham have been taking a ‘risk’ with £47m star, Conte has thanked him

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Antonio Conte has told Friday’s press conference – as per Football London – that he has taken a “big risk” with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, by playing the Argentine ace during Wednesday night’s draw with Sporting.

Romero, 24, was not in the squad last Sunday against Newcastle. The defender, signed for £47million in the summer on a permanent basis after an initial loan from Juventus, returned against Sporting. He lasted the entire match.

But clearly, Romero is not at 100%. That is, despite only playing in 12 of Tottenham’s 17 league and cup fixtures. The 12-time Argentina international has been excellent, but he has been injured at one point this season.

Tottenham boss Conte was speaking ahead of Saturday’s away trip to Bournemouth. He was asked about Romero’s fitness and spoke about how he took a “big risk” by playing Romero. He said he thanked Romero after the 1-1 draw.

“We have taken a big, big risk for this decision. Especially for Cuti, for Romero. Because he was really tired and we risked him a lot. But you know for this time of game you have to take risks and he can gave us the availability to play.

“Now we have to manage him very well because he played and finished the game with great will & desire. I had to thank him [after the game],” Conte said in his press conference, in quotes published by Football London.

Conte has taken big risk with Tottenham defender Romero

It sounds like Conte could consider resting Romero on Saturday. While Bournemouth have been decent under Gary O’Neil since the exit of ex-Spurs midfielder Scott Parker, Spurs are much the better side. So, rotation is a possibility.

Romero could be rested. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg also missed last Sunday’s loss to Newcastle, but played the entire match against Sporting. So, he could miss out, too. Spurs have the players to come in for the duo.

It might mean that Davinson Sanchez and Yves Bissouma come in for the duo. Bryan Gil’s impressive cameo against Bournemouth might also tempt Conte to rest Lucas Moura, after his first start of the season on Wednesday night.