Tottenham’s Vicario to Undergo Surgery, Misses Italy Playoff
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will undergo surgery next week to address a hernia, the club confirmed Friday, sidelining him for approximately a month. The timing of the procedure explains his absence from the Italy national team squad for their crucial World Cup playoff matches later this month.
The news comes as Italy prepares to face Northern Ireland on March 26 in Bergamo, with the winner advancing to a final playoff against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31. Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso had already announced a 28-man squad for the initial semi-final clash, omitting the Tottenham shot-stopper.
Initially, speculation centered around Vicario’s recent form with Tottenham as a potential reason for his exclusion from the Azzurri squad. However, Tottenham quickly clarified the situation, stating that the surgery was a proactive measure designed to minimize disruption to his club season.
Surgery Timed to Minimize Impact on Club Season
“One can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario will undergo surgery next week on a hernia,” Tottenham announced in a statement. “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.”
The decision to undergo surgery now suggests that the issue, while not acutely debilitating, was significant enough to warrant intervention before potentially worsening. This proactive approach allows Vicario to focus on recovery and aims to ensure he returns to full fitness as quickly as possible for Tottenham’s remaining Premier League fixtures.
Italy’s Goalkeeping Options
Gattuso’s squad features four other goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City, Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta, Alex Meret of Napoli, and Elia Caprile of Cagliari. Donnarumma is widely expected to start in both playoff matches, having established himself as Italy’s first-choice goalkeeper. Vicario had served as the regular second-choice option for the national team in recent years, making his absence notable.
The Tottenham keeper, who joined the North London club in 2023, has been a consistent performer for Ange Postecoglou’s side. Prior to his move to England, Vicario honed his skills through a series of loan spells in Italy, including stints with Fontanafredda, Venezia, Perugia, and Empoli. He likewise had a spell with Cagliari before securing a permanent move to Empoli in 2022.
Vicario’s Career Trajectory
Born in Udine, Italy, in 1996, Vicario progressed through the youth ranks of several Italian clubs before joining Udinese’s Primavera squad in 2013. He didn’t make a first-team appearance for Udinese, but his subsequent loan moves provided valuable experience. His time at Venezia proved particularly fruitful, where he established himself as a reliable goalkeeper.
His move to Tottenham marked a significant step in his career, and he quickly became a key player for the Premier League side. Last season, Vicario won his first major trophy, the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League with Tottenham.
The surgery represents a setback for both Vicario and the Italian national team, but the club’s statement indicates a positive outlook for his recovery. Tottenham will be hoping to have their number one goalkeeper back in action within the next month as they push for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
What’s Next for Vicario and Tottenham?
Vicario will undergo surgery next week and begin his rehabilitation program immediately under the guidance of Tottenham’s medical staff. The club anticipates a recovery period of approximately one month, but the exact timeline will depend on his progress. Tottenham’s next match is against West Ham United on April 6th. The club will provide further updates on Vicario’s condition as his recovery progresses.
Italy, meanwhile, will focus on their World Cup playoff campaign without Vicario. The pressure is on Gattuso’s side to secure qualification for the tournament, and Donnarumma will be crucial in goal. The first leg against Northern Ireland will be a key test of Italy’s resolve.
