Cristian Romero wastes 27-HOUR round trip to South America as Tottenham star’s ban is upheld for Argentina double-header
TOTTENHAM defender Cristiano Ronaldo is back in London following a wasted 27-hour round trip to Argentina for their World Cup qualifiers.
The 23-year-old was named in the South American giants' latest international squad, despite being banned for two-games.
Romero, along with Giovani Lo Celso, Emi Buendia and Emi Martinez, were all disciplined for breaching Fifa’s Covid protocols.
The quartet were slapped with a two-match suspension after taking part in September’s abandoned World Cup qualifier against Brazil.
They were all absent from Argentina's 3-0 win over Venezuela on Friday.
But the Copa America champions were hopeful their ban would be cut short to allow them to feature against Ecuador on Wednesday.
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But Argentina's appeal has been dismissed by Fifa, with Romero wasting a 13-and-a-half hour journey to Buenos Aries.
Romero is now back in England, where he is expected to train with Spurs on Tuesday ahead of Sunday's home clash against Newcastle.
The defender has impressed for Tottentham this season, featuring in 23 games in all competitions since his loan move from Atalanta last summer.
Boss Antonio Conte declared last month that Spurs have made Romero’s move permanent for around £42.5million.
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The Italian gaffer remarked: "He’s on loan but we have an obligation to buy.
"We bought him. He is perfect for this league.
"For sure Romero is able to play here, it’s a perfect suit for him.”