Antonio Conte has confirmed that Tottenham defenders Cristian Romero and Sergio Reguilon will miss the rest of the season through injury.
Romero was absent for Spurs' vital 3-0 win over bitter rivals Arsenal on Thursday night, which reignited their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League.
Conte confirmed before the game that Romero had picked up an injury towards the end of the 1-1 draw with Liverpool last Saturday, and the Italian revealed in his press conference before Sunday's clash with Burnley - which will take place less than 72 hours after the North London derby - that the issue will sideline his star defender for the remainder of the campaign.
He also acknowledged the performance of Davinson Sanchez in the game against Arsenal - the Colombian having replaced Romero in the starting lineup.
"We understood in the last few days that Romero had a serious injury and has finished this season, because there are only two games to go and he has no time to recover for these two games," Conte said.
"For sure, it (Romero’s injury) was a big loss for us but at the same time I want to praise Davinson Sanchez’s performance (against Arsenal).
"To have guys like Sanchez and Rodon in the squad, players who if they don’t play every game, they stay focused and work very hard. Then, when there is a situation when they have to play, they show they’re in fantastic form.
On this edition of 90min's Spurs podcast, Sean Walsh, Jude Summerfield & Dan Kilpatrick look back on Tottenham's draw at Anfield before turning their attentions to the upcoming north London derby versus Arsenal.
"It’s right to praise Sanchez for the game he played tonight."
Conte also confirmed that Reguilon, who has not featured since April due to a groin strain, will also miss Spurs' final two games, leaving Ryan Sessegnon to continue at left wing-back as Spurs look to overhaul Arsenal - they are currently just a point behind their bitter rivals.
For more from Matt O’Connor-Simpson, follow him on Twitter!
Source : 90min