by Guglielmo Vicario underwent surgery to repair a fractured ankle he suffered during Tottenham’s 4-0 Premier League win at Manchester City on Saturday. The news has rocked the club so soon after such a morale-boosting result and it will deprive them of one of their key players and managers at a busy time of the season.
Spurs have not put a time frame on the goalkeeper’s absence, but he is likely to be a long-term casualty. Manager Ange Postecoglou will most likely turn to replacement Fraser Forster, 36, who has already started three times this season – once in the Carabao Cup, twice in the Europa League.
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Spurs face Roma in the European competition on Thursday evening before embarking on a nine-match run in December, including the Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Manchester United.
Vicario was injured in a collision with City winger Savinho just before half-time, only to play on and complete the 90 minutes in surely the most eye-catching victory of Postecoglou’s tenure. Vicario was seen limping as he walked through the post-match mixed zone – the area where reporters wait to speak to players – and scanners revealed the damage.
Vicario wrote on Instagram: “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 that I won’t be able to help the team for a while. A huge thank you to the doctors and staff. The operation went well and from tomorrow I will work hard to come back stronger, fitter and ready to give everything for you again. Thanks to the Spurs fans for all the love. See you soon on the ground. »
Spurs said in a statement: “We can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario today underwent surgery for a fractured right ankle. He will be evaluated by our medical staff to determine when he can return to training.
Vicario played a key role against City, making saves to deny Erling Haaland. Postecoglou was without first-choice centre-halves Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven at the Etihad Stadium, with the latter only returning from a hamstring problem in mid-December. Romero’s injury is not as serious.
Forwards Richarlison and Wilson Odobert are also injured, while attacking midfielder Mikey Moore is recovering from a virus. Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has served a one-game suspension for seven matches for using racist insults against teammate Son Heung-min.
