Argentina call up Cristian Romero even though Tottenham star is banned for BOTH matches

CRISTIAN ROMERO has been called up by Argentina – despite being SUSPENDED for two matches.

The Athletic claims Tottenham’s star defender flew out with Lionel Scaloni’s squad ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Venezuela.

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Argentina have called up Cristian Romero – even though the Spurs star is suspended[/caption]

That’s despite not actually being named in the official group last week.

Romero, 23, received his two-game ban after taking part in September’s abandoned World Cup qualifier against Brazil.

The centre-back, along with Gio Lo Celso, Emi Buendia and Emi Martinez, were all disciplined for breaching Fifa’s Covid protocols.

And Romero will definitely be unavailable for the game against Venezuela.

However, Argentina are still waiting on an appeal to reduce the suspension to just one game.

Should they be successful, Romero would be eligible to face Ecuador on Wednesday.

However, there is every chance it could end up being a wasted journey.

And Antonio Conte will surely not be pleased, especially considering Romero missed two matches following September’s debacle in Brazil.

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The centre-back also suffered a lengthy injury while on international duty in November, leaving him sidelined for nearly three months.

Argentina have also already booked their place at the Qatar World Cup, making Romero’s call-up even stranger.

The ace has certainly been in good form at Spurs, playing 23 times in all competitions since his loan move from Atalanta last summer.

And boss Conte has already revealed Tottenham have made Romero’s move permanent for around £42.5million, with the star set to pen a five-year deal this summer.

Conte said last month: “He’s on loan but we have an obligation to buy. We bought him.

“He is perfect for this league. For sure Romero is able to play here, it’s a perfect suit for him.”