Tottenham’s Vicario Sidelined: Injury Update and Potential Replacements

Tottenham Hotspur’s goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will miss upcoming games due to a right ankle injury, the club confirmed. The 28-year-old underwent surgery for a fractured ankle, sustained during their recent win against Manchester City. The surgery took place on Monday, November 25, following the injury from the match on Saturday.

Vicario shared his thoughts on Instagram, stating, “I played 60 minutes at the Etihad with a broken bone in my ankle, giving absolutely everything I had for the team. Unfortunately, there was no way around this one.. I needed surgery. I’m disappointed I won’t be able to help the team for a while. A massive thank you to the doctors and the staff. The operation went well, and from tomorrow I’ll be working hard to come back stronger, fitter, and ready to give my all for you again.”

Since his transfer from Serie A club Empoli in the summer of 2023, Vicario has been a crucial player for Spurs, featuring in all Premier League matches and achieving 10 clean sheets in 50 appearances. His absence is notably impactful as the team approaches a busy schedule with 10 matches across various competitions including the Premier League, EFL Cup, and UEFA Europa League by the end of this year.

Potential replacements for Vicario include Fraser Forster, who has appeared three times this season in various competitions. Forster’s last Premier League appearance was on May 28, 2023, in a 4-1 victory over Leeds United. Other backup options are Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman.

Tottenham Hotspur is currently facing a challenging period with several key players sidelined due to injuries. In addition to Vicario’s absence, defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are also out, further straining the team’s defensive lineup. The club’s upcoming fixtures include a Europa League match against Roma on November 28, followed by Premier League games against Fulham on December 1 and Chelsea on December 8. These matches are crucial for maintaining their position in the league standings and advancing in European competitions.

Fraser Forster, the likely candidate to step in for Vicario, brings a wealth of experience to the role. The 36-year-old goalkeeper has previously played for Southampton and has been part of the England national team setup. His experience will be vital as Spurs navigate this demanding period.

The team’s current injury woes highlight the importance of squad depth and the need for effective rotation to manage player fitness. Manager Ange Postecoglou will need to strategize carefully to maintain performance levels across all competitions during this congested fixture schedule.

Supporters will be hoping for swift recoveries for the injured players and that the squad can adapt to these challenges to continue their pursuit of success this season.