Cristian Romero has been Tottenham's captain since the start of the season. Tottenham head coach Roberto de Zerbi has defended club captain Cristian Romero's absence from Spurs' season finale against Everton, but says he "100%" understands why fans are upset about it.

Romero, 28, will be in his native Argentina instead of at Spurs' final match of the campaign at home to Everton on Sunday as they battle to avoid relegation. Argentina defender Romero was already missing the game because of a knee injury and is in a race against time to be fit for this summer's World Cup.

A win for Spurs would guarantee Premier League safety, although a draw should be enough because of their superior goal difference over 18th-placed West Ham United. While some Tottenham players who cannot play in the match, including Ben Davies, will be in attendance, Romero is instead expected to watch his boyhood club Belgrano take on River Plate.

De Zerbi said the decision for Romero to return to Argentina was agreed with the club's medical staff. "He spoke with the medical staff. Together, they decided to go to Argentina to complete the rehab," said De Zerbi. "We spoke last week. With me, he showed always he wants to stay with us. The injury is already injured and we have to accept.

"I'm not stupid. If I understand there is any player or some player who thinks for himself before the club, I can't be the same Roberto. With Cuti Romero, I can't say nothing because with me in my time, he's been correct. At the beginning until now."

Asked if he understood why the decision may upset some Spurs fans, De Zerbi added "100% I understand". Former Spurs captain and manager Glenn Hoddle criticised Romero, calling his decision "scandalous". "I'd drive him to the airport and say don't bother coming back," he said. Ex-Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham added: "The biggest game in the history of the club. I need you alongside your team-mates in the dressing room to give them some support. "I can't believe he's been allowed to go."

Belgrano president Luis Artime has reportedly confirmed that Romero is allowed to use the club's training facility as he recovers from the injury suffered against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in April. Romero recently posted a video of congratulations to Belgrano, who have qualified for their first Argentina Primera Division Apertura final. The final kicks off at 19:30 BST, with Spurs hosting Everton from 16:00.

De Zerbi said that his focus is on the players who are able to play on Sunday. "The decision was with the medical staff and I think he can't change nothing if Romero is at the stadium or not," added the Italian. "I have no time to lose energy or thinking [about] other things. We have to focus just on the game and I think we have the players good enough to achieve our target."

It is not unusual for players to return to their former clubs when recovering from long-term injuries, especially when it is someone who is playing for a club outside of their home country. It is unknown whether Romero is receiving treatment in Argentina as he bids to be part of the defending champions' 26-man World Cup squad.

The most peculiar part is the timing of it. Spurs are one of only six clubs to have featured in every Premier League season and have not played in the second tier of English football since 1977-78. Romero cannot provide any help to his players on the pitch, but at a time where Spurs' immediate future is at serious risk, their captain is almost 7,000 miles away.

De Zerbi was asked about Romero's long-term future at the club and did not give a definitive answer over whether the defender has already played his final game. "I don't know. I think Cristian is a top player and with me, was a top guy. When I say top guy, it is because I'm sure of what I am saying. "For the future, I don't know. [Sunday] is a huge game for our future, for our club, for our fans to stay together."