The Argentina centre-back had returned to his home country as part of a pre-planned rehabilitation programme for the knee injury he suffered against Sunderland in April. His agent Ciro Palermo insisted the trip was arranged weeks in advance in coordination with medical staff at both Tottenham and the Argentine Football Association.
The problem was the optics. Romero was photographed at Belgrano's stadium ahead of their Cup final against River Plate, making it appear he had prioritised a domestic football occasion over his club's survival battle.
The backlash was immediate and came from credible voices. Glenn Hoddle was unsparing.
"I'd drive him to the airport and say don't bother coming back. It sums his selfishness up. He can't be a captain and act like that. If it was for family or something like that then fine — but if he's going back to watch a football match, let him stay in Argentina."
Teddy Sheringham described the timing as inexplicable given the importance of the fixture.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi was notably careful in his assessment when asked about Romero at his pre-match press conference on Saturday.
"He spoke with the medical staff. Together, they decided to go to Argentina to complete rehab with Argentine medical staff. We spoke last week. With me, he has shown he wants to stay with us."
He added a pointed caveat: "I want to be clear, I am not stupid. If I understand that there is a player who thinks for himself before the club, I cannot be the same Roberto. With Romero, I can't say nothing. With me, in my time, he has been correct from the beginning until now."
De Zerbi also pointed out that other players had shown different choices.
"Ben Davies spoke with me and asked to stay today to work with us. He wanted to stay with the team and team-mates."
Tottenham enter the match two points clear of West Ham United, meaning a draw is enough to guarantee Premier League survival. A defeat, combined with a West Ham win against Leeds United, would condemn Spurs to their first relegation since 1977.
Romero was confirmed back in London by Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold on Saturday morning. Whether he attends the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or watches from elsewhere has not been confirmed.
He will not play. What he represents on the day is the real question.