Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou explains Cristian Romero absence from Newcastle friendly

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has explained why Cristian Romero and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg have skipped the post-season friendly against Newcastle in Melbourne.

The defender and midfielder were the only two seemingly fit senior players who did not join the travelling squad, but it has now been confirmed that Romero has flown back to Argentina and Hojbjerg was not risked after picking up a fitness concern.

"Cuti [Romero] is more for personal reasons," Postecoglou told reporters. "He's got to fly back to Argentina.

"Pierre had an injury going into the last game, he was kind of touch and go and after the game, pulled up sore.

"Again, because we were getting straight on a flight, it didn't make any sense when the flight is that long to bring guys like that along.

"Everyone else got through unscathed [against Sheffield United], so we'll have a full compliment from the squad we took away and some young players as well who will get some game time."

Romero will be a key player for Argentina over the coming weeks at Copa America, which kicks off on June 20 in the United States.

Tottenham face Newcastle in Melbourne tomorrow at 10.45am UK time.