Cristian Romero reportedly set to recover for Argentina friendlies ahead of 2026 World Cup

Cristian Romero is reportedly expected to recover in time for Argentina's two June friendlies that serve as the final warm-ups ahead of the 2026 World Cup, according to a report relayed by Argentine insider Lucas Gatti. The centre back suffered a knee injury in Tottenham Hotspur's April 12 Premier League match against Sunderland and missed the rest of the club season, but the latest coverage says his recovery from a lateral ligament sprain is being closely monitored and is on track for the preparatory fixtures.

What the report says

The report — published in World Soccer Talk summarising information from Página 12 via Lucas Gatti — states medical assessments ruled out a ligament tear that would have threatened Romero's World Cup chances. It says Argentina's coaching staff under Lionel Scaloni are tracking Romero's rehabilitation and that a member of the senior national team medical staff travelled to London recently to check on his progress.

Timing and the Argentina schedule

Argentina have two friendlies scheduled in June before their World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16. The Albiceleste are due to face Honduras on June 6 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, and Iceland on June 9 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. The report indicates Romero is expected to be available for those fixtures if his recovery continues as currently projected.

Lionel Messi and other Argentina players wrapping up club seasons will follow their respective schedules into the national team training window. Romero's availability would be significant for Scaloni given the defender's established role in the side.

Other Argentina injury concerns mentioned

The World Soccer Talk piece also highlights several other Argentina players who remain under observation as the World Cup approaches. Those named in the report include Nicolás González, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez and Giuliano Simeone, all of whom picked up issues during the final stages of their club campaigns and whose fitness will be watched in the weeks before the tournament.

• Cristian Romero left Tottenham’s April 12 match against Sunderland with a knee injury and missed the rest of the club season.
• Medical checks reportedly ruled out a ligament tear; Romero is said to have a lateral ligament sprain in his right knee.
• Argentine insider Lucas Gatti (Página 12) says Romero is expected to be fit for Argentina’s June friendlies.
• A member of Argentina’s senior team medical staff reportedly travelled to London to monitor Romero’s recovery.
• Argentina’s pre-tournament friendlies: Honduras (June 6) and Iceland (June 9) before the World Cup opener vs Algeria (June 16).
• Other Argentina players mentioned as injury concerns: Nicolás González, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez and Giuliano Simeone.

What happens next

If Romero continues to progress in line with the report, he could return to the Argentina squad for the June friendlies and rejoin preparations ahead of the World Cup opener on June 16. However, the current information is sourced to media reports and an insider; official confirmation from Argentina’s medical staff, the Argentina FA, or Tottenham Hotspur would be required to verify Romero’s exact status and inclusion in the squad.