Tottenham: Guglielmo Vicario Ruled Out for ‘Months’ with Ange Postecoglou Coy on Injury Return Timeline
Tottenham Hotspur are facing a major setback as their first-choice goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, has been ruled out for an extended period after suffering a serious ankle injury during their impressive 4-0 victory at Manchester City. The Italian shot-stopper, who has been a crucial figure for Spurs since his arrival from Empoli in 2023, has undergone surgery on his fractured ankle and is expected to be sidelined for “months.”
The injury occurred in the first half of Tottenham’s thrilling Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, where Vicario collided with Manchester City winger Savinho. Despite the painful incident, Vicario bravely completed the full 90 minutes, helping Spurs secure a dominant win. However, the aftermath of the collision has now left the club facing a significant injury crisis in goal, with Vicario’s absence proving to be a major blow to manager Ange Postecoglou’s plans.
In his first public comments since the news broke, Postecoglou confirmed the severity of the injury and provided an update on Vicario’s recovery. The Australian manager confirmed that the goalkeeper would be out for “months” and reiterated his reluctance to provide an exact return timeline, stating, “It’s not going to be weeks, it’s going to be months. I don’t like giving a timeline so early in the process because it puts undue pressure on the player and maybe some expectations.” This cautious approach highlights the uncertainty surrounding Vicario’s recovery, with Postecoglou keen to avoid setting unrealistic expectations for the goalkeeper’s return.
The injury comes at a particularly challenging time for Spurs, who are navigating a demanding fixture schedule ahead of the winter break. Vicario has been a consistent presence in goal, having missed only four matches since his £17.2 million move to the Premier League from Serie A. His absence now leaves veteran goalkeeper Fraser Forster to take over the starting role. Forster, who has been with the club as a backup for some time, will be tasked with filling big shoes in the coming months as Tottenham looks to maintain their strong form.
While Forster is a reliable option between the sticks, Spurs will undoubtedly miss the composure and shot-stopping ability that Vicario has displayed since joining the club. The Italian goalkeeper’s leadership and confidence have been key to Spurs’ solid defensive displays, and his absence is expected to put additional pressure on the rest of the team. Postecoglou will now have to rely on Forster’s experience, with the 36-year-old keeper stepping in as the team’s main option for the foreseeable future.
Looking ahead, Tottenham’s immediate focus is their upcoming Europa League clash with Roma on Thursday. This is just the beginning of an intense period for the club, as they face a challenging run of eight games in just 24 days before Christmas. This grueling schedule includes high-stakes encounters, including a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United, a fixture that will only add to the growing pressure on the squad as they look to navigate this difficult stretch without their first-choice goalkeeper.
Moreover, Postecoglou’s comments have added further intrigue as the January transfer window looms on the horizon. With Vicario’s injury potentially leaving Spurs without their number one for several months, the club may look to the market for reinforcements in the goalkeeper department. However, Postecoglou has made it clear that Forster will be the go-to option for now, and he seems to be taking a pragmatic approach, focusing on the present rather than rushing into transfer decisions.
The injury to Vicario serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of football, with injuries having the potential to derail even the best-laid plans. As Tottenham adjusts to life without their first-choice goalkeeper, it will be fascinating to see how they adapt both tactically and psychologically to this latest challenge. The team’s resilience and ability to maintain their momentum will be crucial as they aim to continue their strong start to the season in what promises to be a testing period ahead.
For now, Spurs supporters will be hoping for a swift recovery for Vicario, while keeping faith in Forster to step up and deliver during this difficult time.
