Tottenham Confirm Vicario Surgery as Goalkeeper Crisis Deepens
Tottenham Hotspur have officially announced that first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will undergo hernia surgery next week, creating significant uncertainty in their squad ahead of a crucial Premier League relegation battle.
Injury Blow Comes at Critical Juncture
The Italian international's procedure has been timed to minimize disruption, but it represents a substantial setback for a Spurs side currently languishing in 16th position, just one point above the relegation zone. Interim head coach Igor Tudor now faces difficult selection decisions as his team prepares for Sunday's vital encounter against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest.
Vicario has been part of a Tottenham squad experiencing unprecedented difficulties this season, with their Premier League status under genuine threat. The goalkeeper's form has mirrored the team's broader struggles, though he is expected to feature against Forest before undergoing the scheduled operation.
Kinsky Poised for Potential Recall
Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who was replaced by Vicario during Tottenham's 5-2 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid last week after committing several errors, could now be recalled following the international break. The timing of Vicario's surgery means Kinsky might feature in at least two Premier League matches against Sunderland and Brighton upon the squad's return.
A club statement clarified the situation: "We can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario will undergo surgery next week on a hernia. The minor procedure for the Italy international goalkeeper has been timed to have as minimal impact on our season as possible. Guglielmo will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately, and it is hoped that he could return to action within the next month."
Historical Precedents and Managerial Silence
Footballers including Fernando Torres, Harry Kewell, and Scott McTominay have previously played through hernia issues, providing some precedent for Vicario's potential involvement against Nottingham Forest. However, the surgery will inevitably cause disruption as Tottenham fight to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Notably, Tudor made no mention of Vicario's impending surgery during his Friday press conference, instead providing updates on other injured players:
- Mohammed Kudus is progressing well with ball work
- Rodrigo Bentancur continues his recovery
- James Maddison is also making positive strides
The Croatian coach expressed hope that medical staff might deliver "some nice surprise in the next weeks" regarding player availability.
International Omission Follows Club Announcement
Vicario's surgery announcement comes after Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso excluded him from the national squad for the March international break. It remains uncertain exactly which Premier League matches Vicario will miss during his recovery period, adding another layer of complexity to Tottenham's precarious situation.
With relegation fears mounting and goalkeeper options dwindling, Tottenham's medical decisions in the coming weeks could prove decisive in their battle for Premier League survival.
