Tottenham Hotspur Injury Update: Guglielmo Vicario latest details, recovery timeline

Tottenham Hotspurs’ dominating and surprising 4-0 victory against defending champions Manchester City was too joyous for the squad but the happiness did not last for long. The first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has suffered a crucial blow on his right ankle and as a result, went for surgery and now will be out for long, leaving coach Ange Postecoglou and the team tensed midway.

The long-term absence of the first-choice goalie will mean that the club will face a defensive jolt, in the coming weeks when they compete in the English Premier League and UEFA Europa League. Look below and get a detailed insight into Guglielmo Vicario’s injury update, impact on the team, possible replacements, and the expected date of return to action.

Guglielmo Vicario Injury Update

Guglielmo Vicario suffered the injury during the first half of their last Premier League game against Manchester City, when rival team Savinho challenged him for the ball, after a misjudged header from Pedro Poro.

The injury broke the bone in his right ankle, but still he played 60 more minutes at the Etihad Stadium,  as revealed by his Instagram post. The injury will see him out for a long, as previously observed in case of surgeries.

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Impact of Guglielmo Vicario Injury on Tottenham Hotspur Squad and Strategy

Guglielmo Vicario was the most integral part of the Tottenham Hotspur defense. He was the most trusted by the coach, so much so that no other goalie got a single minute in the EPL 2024-25. In 12 appearances the Italian conceded only 13 goals and kept three clean sheets, including one against the four-in-a-row Premier League winners Manchester City.

His importance can be felt even more from the fact that no one was replaced for him, despite a fracture. He still managed a clean sheet against the best forwards in the league like Erling Haaland, Savio, and Phil Foden. He hails the ability to rush out and make interceptions at a fast rate, along with some quick reflexes, which ought to be missed when facing fast attacking sides like Chelsea, Manchester United, and leaders Liverpool in the English top tier, and AS Roma in the Premier League. 

Possible Replacements and Tactical Adjustments

Tactically, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou does need to make some changes, though it’s a goalkeeper injured so not much will be changed, but surely some tactical adjustments are deemed necessary, especially for the slow defense it holds at times.

Guglielmo Vicario, a 28-year-old 1.94 m goalie is tough to replace for his skills. However, for the time being, the club can opt for 36-year-old Fraser Forster to take charge. The veteran joined Tottenham in 2022 but doesn’t hail much experience in keeping for big clubs. For Tottenham, he has played only 24 games, and those weren’t the vital ones. 

He was not the chosen one because of his slow speed and weakness in not rushing out. So, having him as the only viable option, Hotspurs have to go with him, and he isn’t that bad either. After all, his reflexes are world-class.

Playing against big teams like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool with a goalie with low rushing abilities, Postecoglou will need to change his 4-3-3 attacking approach, and instead opt for a holding approach, with some wing-backs to support.

Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman are also registered goalkeepers, but considering them as options can be too risky.

Guglielmo Vicario Return date

The exact return date for Guglielmo Vicario to be completely match-fit and represent Tottenham Hotspur is not known yet. However, as things stand, he isn’t returning anytime soon, having a broken bone/ fracture in his ankle operated via surgery.

As per an official statement of the Tottenham Hotspur club, “He will be assessed by our (Tottenham Hotspur) medical staff to determine when he can return to training.”

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