Club captain Romero is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury suffered in a 1-0 loss at Sunderland last month and has opted to fly to Argentina instead of attending Tottenham's game against Everton.
Spurs are 17th in the table, two points ahead of West Ham and desperately need a win this weekend to secure their place in the Premier League for next season.
Romero still has the right mindset
De Zerbi spoke on his latest press conference about Romero, who he believes still has the right mindset at the club.
“He spoke with the medical staff. Together they decided to go to Argentina to complete the rehab with the Argentinean medical staff. We spoke last week. With me he showed always his desire to stay with us. He is injured. I'm not stupid.
“If I understand there is any player who thinks for himself before the club, I can't be the same Roberto. But with Cuti Romero I can't say nothing because with me, he has been correct from when I started until now.”
Has Romero played his final game for the side?
Despite having the right mindset, De Zerbi was sked if Romero has played his final game for the club to which he revealed that he has no idea what will happen this summer.
“I don't know. After tomorrow there is no trophy, no bonus. There is more than that. There is the history of the club, the pride of the players and their families, the dignity of everyone. I can't lose energy on the future. I'm not stupid. I have clear ideas of what I want, but there is a process.”
Asked if he understands why Spurs fans are so unhappy with Cristian Romero, and he said: “100 per cent I understand (supporter frustration),” he continued.
“The decision is with the medical staff. I have no time to lose energy, we have to be focused just on the game. We have players good enough to achieve our target.
“Not all leaders are the same. Ben Davies spoke to me today and asked if he could stay with the team. Romero is preparing for the World Cup.”
Romero has been sidelined since April with a knee injury and has been ruled out for the season but fans are furious that he will not be there to support his side who could drop to the Championship without his support on the sidelines.