Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero is set to be in Argentina on Sunday rather than at Spurs' season-defining Premier League clash against Everton — a match that could determine whether the club plays top-flight football next season.

Romero, 28, has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in April. With the World Cup approaching, the Argentina defender is in a race against time to prove his fitness and secure his place in the defending champions' 26-man squad.

Belgrano final pulls Romero away

South American football expert Tim Vickery told talkSPORT that Romero plans to attend Belgrano's AFA Liga Torneo Apertura final against River Plate on Sunday evening. Belgrano — Romero's boyhood club — have reached their first Argentina Primera Division Apertura final, and Romero recently posted a congratulatory video to the club on social media.

That final kicks off at 19:30 BST, by which point Spurs' 16:00 BST fixture against Everton will already be well underway. Romero posted a social media image of himself and his family boarding a private jet, while he was also pictured on Thursday at Belgrano's training ground.

Belgrano president Luis Artime has reportedly confirmed that Romero has permission to use the club's training facilities as he continues his recovery. Spurs have yet to formally confirm his absence from Sunday's fixture, though BBC Sport has approached the club for comment.

The stakes for Spurs

A win for Tottenham against Everton on Sunday would guarantee Premier League survival. A draw should also be sufficient, given Spurs' superior goal difference over West Ham United, who sit in 18th place.

West Ham head into the final day 2 points behind Spurs and must beat Leeds United at home to stand any realistic chance of staying up. The Hammers' fate is therefore partly in Spurs' hands.

Tottenham have appeared in every Premier League season since the competition's founding and have not competed in the second tier of English football since 1977-78 — making Sunday's match a moment of significant historical weight for the club.

De Zerbi's dilemma

Manager Roberto de Zerbi spoke warmly of Romero ahead of Tuesday's defeat to Chelsea, addressing questions about the captain's future amid reported summer transfer interest. Since his injury ruled him out for the season, Romero has remained a presence around De Zerbi's squad, aiming to keep spirits high among his team-mates.

Whether that influence from nearly 7,000 miles away can carry any weight as Spurs fight for their Premier League lives remains to be seen. De Zerbi is due to address the media on Friday ahead of the crucial fixture.