Cristian Romero bursts into tears and leaves field as Tottenham game halted

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• Premier League
• Premier League

Tottenham traveled to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Sunday, with the Black Cats picking up a 1-0 win in the end — but the game was halted for eight minutes

Christian Romero was in floods of tears(Image: Getty Images)

Cristian Romero departed the Stadium of Light in distress on Sunday after a troubling clash with Antonin Kinsky that halted proceedings for eight minutes.

Sunderland welcomed a faltering Tottenham outfit for a Premier League game on Sunday. Following a closely fought opening period, the Black Cats broke the deadlock just past the hour mark — Nordi Mukiele surging into the visitors' penalty area before firing powerfully from distance. The Frenchman's effort took a significant deflection, leaving Kinsky stranded as it crept over the line.

Already trailing, Tottenham's day deteriorated further mere moments afterward. Brian Brobbey pursued the ball deep into Kinsky's area, with Romero attempting to protect it from the Sunderland forward.

However, during the challenge, Romero's knee appeared to collide with the Tottenham goalkeeper's head, sending both players crashing to the ground in obvious discomfort.

Medical staff immediately attended to the pair, with Romero face down and Kinsky on his back, while the match was suspended for approximately eight minutes.

Kinsky needed extensive head strapping following the incident, though he was able to carry on — welcome news given Tottenham are already missing Guglielmo Vicario through hernia surgery.

Romero picked up an injury on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)

The situation was far more concerning for Romero, however.

The Argentine was seen in tears as he limped off the pitch at the Stadium of Light, making way for Kevin Danso.

The setback will hand Roberto De Zerbi yet another selection headache as he continues to grapple with a depleted squad.

In addition to Vicario facing a short spell on the treatment table following surgery, the team is also missing Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies and Mohammed Kudus.

The mounting injury concerns come at a critical time for De Zerbi, who is acutely aware of the uphill battle ahead with just six fixtures remaining after Sunday's visit to Sunderland.

The Italian penned a long-term deal with the club last month, stepping in as a replacement for Igor Tudor, who departed by mutual consent a mere 44 days after taking charge from the sacked Thomas Frank.

Tottenham went on to lose 1-0 on Sunday, leaving the London team 18th in the Premier League table and two points from safety.

Tottenham's next game is at home to Brighton on Saturday.