Tottenham Hotspur dealt possible blow as defender confirms Olympic hopes

The Spurs defender is currently on international duty with La Albiceleste, and is set to be in their squad for the Copa America this summer, which runs at the same time as the European Championships.

With Argentina favourites to retain their title as kings of South America, that could see them go far in the United States, but may also mean a huge workload for Romero in the summer.

That is because the 25-year-old has stated that he would like to be recommended as one of the over-age players to represent Argentina at the upcoming Olympics in Paris.

Speaking to Gaston Edul after their win over El Salvador last week, Romero said: «I never had the chance to be in the Olympic Games and I would love to.

»Obviously, it doesn't depend on me, but if you want to take me I am available for the Argentine national team."

Should Argentina get to the Copa America final on July 14, Romero would have just 10 days of rest between then and the start of the Olympics in Europe on July 24.

To keep in spirit with the former rules where all Olympians had to be amateur athletes, the Olympic football tournament is for Under-23 sides only, but each nation is allowed to call-up three players of any age to accompany the youth side.

The Olympics does not fall under FIFA's jurisdiction, so Spurs are within their rights to block any call-up if they desire, but they would then run the risk of upsetting the player if they opted to do so.

Romero's Tottenham teammate Richarlison found himself in a similar scenario at the previous Olympics, held in the summer of 2021.

Richarlison was