LONDON – Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will undergo hernia surgery next week, the club confirmed Friday, but will be available for Sunday’s crucial Premier League match against Nottingham Forest. The timing of the procedure, designed to minimize disruption to the season, creates an opportunity for backup goalkeeper Martin Kinský to potentially feature against Sunderland on April 12th, following the international break.
The 29-year-traditional Vicario, who has started all of Tottenham’s Premier League games this season, has been battling through discomfort, but has been deemed fit enough to play in the vital relegation battle at the City Ground. “We can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario will undergo surgery next week on a hernia,” Tottenham said in a statement. “The minor procedure…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.”
Tottenham currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone, making Sunday’s match against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest particularly significant. The club is hoping Vicario’s recovery will be swift, with a potential return within a month, but his absence will undoubtedly test the depth of Igor Tudor’s squad.
Kinský’s Chance to Redeem Himself
The surgery opens the door for Kinský, the 23-year-old Czech goalkeeper, to potentially reclaim a spot in the starting lineup. Kinský endured a demanding outing in Tottenham’s Champions League last-16 first leg against Atlético Madrid on March 10th, where he was substituted after just 17 minutes after a series of errors contributed to the Spanish side taking a commanding lead. He conceded two goals directly from mistakes – a slip leading to the first and a misplayed pass resulting in the third – before being replaced by Vicario.
While the experience was undoubtedly a setback for the young keeper, Tudor may see the upcoming match against Sunderland as an opportunity for Kinský to rebuild confidence and demonstrate his capabilities. The international break following the Forest game provides a three-week window before Tottenham’s next fixture, allowing Kinský time to prepare and potentially earn a start.
Austin Also in the Mix
However, Kinský isn’t the only option for Tudor. Brandon Austin, a 27-year-old Tottenham academy graduate, is also available as a backup. Austin has limited first-team experience, having made one Premier League appearance last season and two in the Europa League, but provides a familiar face within the squad. He has primarily served as a third-choice option this season.
Vicario’s absence also impacts the Italian national team. He will miss the upcoming World Cup play-off matches, a decision confirmed by Tottenham’s statement. The club’s announcement clarified that the surgery was the reason for his exclusion from the Italy squad, dispelling earlier speculation about his form.
A Crucial Period for Spurs
This news comes at a critical juncture for Tottenham, who are fighting to avoid relegation from the top flight. The club’s injury situation has been improving recently, but Vicario’s surgery represents a significant blow. The hope is that the procedure will be a minor one and that the Italian goalkeeper will be able to return to action within the projected timeframe.
Following the match against Sunderland on April 12th, Tottenham are scheduled to face Brighton & Hove Albion on April 18th. The club will be hoping to navigate these crucial fixtures without Vicario and maintain their Premier League status. The situation underscores the importance of squad depth and the need for players like Kinský and Austin to step up when called upon.
The club’s medical staff will closely monitor Vicario’s recovery, and updates will be provided as they become available. For now, Tottenham fans will be hoping their first-choice goalkeeper can create a swift return to fitness and help steer the club away from danger.
What’s Next: Tottenham travels to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday, March 23rd at 4:30 PM GMT. Following the match, the team will enter a three-week break for international fixtures before resuming Premier League action against Sunderland on April 12th.
What do you think? Can Kinský seize his opportunity, or will Tudor turn to Austin? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
