New Delhi: Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has undergone surgery following an ankle injury sustained during Spurs’ stunning 4-0 triumph over defending champions Manchester City. The defeat marked City’s fifth consecutive loss across all competitions and third successive loss in the league.
Despite completing the full 90 minutes, the 28-year-old Italian was seen limping as he left the Etihad Stadium after the match. On Monday, Spurs confirmed that the goalkeeper underwent surgery on the right ankle. Later in the day, Vicario provided an update about his condition through social media. He revealed that he had played for an hour with a broken bone in his ankle. The Italian made five crucial saves for his side despite the pain.
Tottenham did not provide a potential timeline for Vicario’s return or an estimate of how long he will be sidelined. The club stated that he will be assessed by the medical staff in the coming weeks to determine when he can resume training.
How big of a blow is Vicario’s absence for Spurs?
Vicario has been part of the Premier League since joining from Serie A side Empoli back in the 2023 summer, keeping 10 clean sheets from 50 matches. The Italian’s absence will be a big blow to Ange Postecoglou as Spurs enter a busy schedule with 10 matches across the Premier League, EFL Cup, and UEFA Europa League till the end of this year.
Tottenham currently sit sixth in the league standings, and Vicario’s importance is evident from his performances. Since his debut in the 2023/24 season, he has been brilliant as he ranks among the top five goalkeepers in terms of goals prevented with only six managing more clean sheets. Additionally, only Ederson of Manchester City has completed more accurate passes during this period.
Who could replace Vicario?
Fraser Forster is the most likely candidate to step in for Vicario. The 36-year-old has made three appearances this season across all competitions, although none have been in the Premier League. He started in Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Coventry City in the EFL Cup, a 1-0 victory against AZ Alkmaar, and a 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray in the Europa League.
Forster’s last Premier League appearance for Spurs came on May 28, 2023, in a 4-1 victory over Leeds United. Behind him, Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman are expected to serve as the backup options.
What next for Spurs?
Ange Postecoglou’s side will be next in action on Thursday as they take on As Roma in the Europa League before returning to Premier League action against Fulham on Sunday.
Guglielmo Vicario revealed that he played with a broken ankle for 60 minutes in Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Manchester City. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
