Cristian Romero wastes 27-HOUR return trip to South America as Tottenham star’s ban for doubles game against Argentina is upheld

TOTTENHAM defender Cristiano Ronaldo is back in London after a wasted 27-hour return trip to Argentina for World Cup qualifiers.

The 23-year-old has been called up to the South American giants’ latest international squad despite being suspended for two games.

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Romero has been sanctioned along with Giovani Lo Celso, Emi Buendia and Emi Martinez for breaching Fifa’s Covid protocols.

The foursome were handed a two-game ban after participating in the aborted World Cup qualifier against Brazil in September.

They were all absent from Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela on Friday.

However, the Copa America champions hoped his suspension would be lifted so he could play against Ecuador on Wednesday.

But Argentina’s appeal was dismissed by Fifa, and Romero wasted a 13.5-hour trip to Buenos Aries.

Romero is now back in England, where he is expected to train with Spurs on Tuesday ahead of Sunday’s home game against Newcastle.

The defender has impressed for Tottentham this season and has featured in 23 games in all competitions since joining from Atalanta last summer.

Boss Antonio Conte explained last month that Spurs had made Romero’s move permanent for around £42.5million.

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The Italian gaffer remarked: “He’s on loan but we have an obligation to buy.

“We bought him. He’s perfect for this league.

“Sure Romero can play here, it’s a perfect suit for him.”