FanSided World Football
·28 November 2024
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Yahoo sportsFanSided World Football
·28 November 2024
Guglielmo Vicario’s unfortunate ankle injury has come as a blow to Tottenham, just as the team is riding a wave of strong form.
The Italian shot-stopper, a crucial figure in Ange Postecoglou’s system, sustained the injury during Spurs’ emphatic 4-0 victory over Manchester City.
The incident, a collision with Savinho in the 30th minute, initially seemed minor, with Vicario continuing the match after treatment.
However, post-match concerns arose as he was spotted limping through the media mixed zone. These fears were later confirmed by the club, revealing significant damage to his right ankle.
Manchester City FC v Tottenham Hotspur FC - Premier League / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages
Surgery has already been performed, and while no specific timeline has been set, Postecoglou confirmed Vicario will be out for months rather than weeks.
With Vicario sidelined, Fraser Forster will step up as Tottenham’s first-choice goalkeeper. The veteran brings plenty of experience, but his ability to maintain top performance across multiple competitions is untested at this stage of his career.
Behind him, Brandon Austin will serve as backup, though he remains largely unproven at the highest level.
Postecoglou addressed the situation in a press conference, praising Vicario’s toughness while expressing caution about setting expectations for his return. "Knowing him, he’ll push his limits, but we need to let the rehab process take its course," the manager said.
This injury could also force Spurs to explore temporary solutions, with the January transfer window looming. Whether Daniel Levy opts for a short-term signing or pursues a goalkeeper capable of competing with Vicario long-term remains to be seen.
Tottenham face AS Roma in the Europa League this week, and all eyes will be on Forster as he takes on the responsibility between the sticks.
There’s also speculation about whether Austin might be given a chance to prove himself, particularly in less demanding fixtures.
The situation clearly highlights Tottenham’s thin depth in goal, a factor that could weigh heavily on their ambitions if Forster falters or injuries persist.
While the Lilywhites hope their current options can hold the fort, the injury to Vicario might prompt Levy to act decisively in January.
Until then, Spurs fans will be counting on the team’s resilience to keep their strong season on track.
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