SUNDERLAND, England -- Tottenham defender Cristian Romero left the field in tears following an injury in his team's 1-0 loss to Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Argentina international limped off after colliding with Tottenham goalkeeper Antonín Kinsky in the second half at the Stadium of Light.
It was not immediately clear what the nature of the injury was, but the 27-year-old Romero was unable to play on and was visibly distressed as he made his way to the sideline. While he was able to leave the field unaided and did not require a stretcher, he was consoled by teammates as he walked away.
The timing of Romero's injury will be a concern for Argentina ahead of the World Cup starting in June, with Romero being a key part of Lionel Scaloni's defending champions.
Kinsky was able to continue after having his head wrapped with a bandage.
New Spurs coach Roberto De Zerbi said it was "very bad" that Romero sustained an injury, but did not know the severity of it.
"We have to see in the next days. I hope for us it is not an important problem because he is a crucial player for us," De Zerbi said. "We need him to finish the season and to achieve our goal."
The loss left Tottenham stuck in the relegation zone in 18th place, two points behind 17th-placed West Ham with six games left in the season.
Argentina begins World Cup play in Group J on June 16 against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
