Tottenham may be without star defender Cristian Romero for the start of next season after he commented on his Olympic dream.
Romero will already feature in one tournament this summer in the Copa America, but he has now made himself available for double duty.
The men’s football at the Paris Games starts on July 24 – just ten days after the Copa America final is held at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
Romero’s Argentina are defending champions and tournament favourites, which would mean little rest for the centre-back should the World Cup holders avoid an unlikely shock in America.
However, what’s worse for Spurs is men’s football at the Olympics only finishes the week before the new Premier League season starts.
Romero has publicly declared his ambition to be one of Argentina’s three older players for the Under-23s tournament this summer.
“I never had the chance to be in the Olympic Games and I would love to,” said Romero.
“Obviously, it doesn’t depend on me, but if you want to take me I am available for the Argentine national team.
“I continue with the same enthusiasm and desire as always to continue doing things well at the club to continue having the possibility of being here.”
Tottenham could now be left in a difficult position should Argentina turn to Romero, with a high prospect of the 25-year-old needing time off afterwards and therefore missing the start of the campaign.
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The Olympics is not recognised by FIFA, which means Spurs can veto any call-up, but in doing so, the club run the risk of a messy fallout.
Losing Romero so close to the season is less than ideal considering his potential blockbuster schedule.
Tottenham’s final game of the 2023/24 campaign is away to Sheffield United on Sunday, May 19.
Romero will then be back in pre-Copa America tournament action less than a month later for Argentina’s friendly with Guatemala.
The Copa America then runs between June 20 and July 14, before any Olympics involvement will take over from July 24 to August 10.
The 2024/25 Premier League season starts seven days later, meaning Romero would miss all of Tottenham’s pre-season and likely the first few games as well for time off and to get back up to speed.