TOTTENHAM’S season plunged to a fresh low point at Atletico Madrid – and they are now in danger of Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha missing the trip to Liverpool on Sunday.

Spurs are already on the brink of failing to reach the Champions League quarter-finals after a night to forget.

UEFA Champions League - Round of 16 - First Leg - Atletico Madrid v Tottenham HotspurCristian Romero was involved in a sickening clash of heads with Joao PalhinhaCredit: Reuters Atletico de Madrid v Tottenham Hotspur FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First LegThe duo are now in danger of missing Tottenham’s trip to LiverpoolCredit: Getty

in the first leg of their last 16 tie as Atletico ran riot in the first half.

But Tottenham’s horrific outing got even worse in the final exchanges – when skipper Romero, 27, and Palhinha were involved in a sickening clash of heads.

Both of them needed treatment and were eventually withdrawn as they looked to be struggling to get their bearings.

If it is confirmed that they were forced off with concussion, the duo will not be available for the Premier League showdown with Liverpool.

The protocol followed by the FA and Premier League means that and Palhinha would not be allowed to feature in a competitive game for at least six days.

And that will be difficult for Spurs chief Igor Tudor to swallow as he battles to save his job.

Tottenham are already without Micky van de Ven for the clash at Anfield .

And the absence of Romero would leave the North Londoners with limited centre-back options.

The Argentine World Cup winner was only making his first appearance since being .

Palhinha, 30, has also been deployed in a back three since Tudor was appointed as Spurs’ boss until the end of the season.

UEFA Champions League - Round of 16 - First Leg - Atletico Madrid v Tottenham HotspurRomero went down soon after the collision and needed to be taken offCredit: Reuters Atletico Madrid v Tottenham Hotspur, UEFA Champions League, Round of 16, First Leg, Football, Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - 10 Mar 2026Palhinha was guided down the tunnelCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

It means that Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin are in line to be at the heart of the backline on Sunday.

And will go into their clash with Liverpool sitting just ONE POINT above the dreaded drop zone.

They are also still waiting for their first win in the top-flight since December.

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