Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will undergo hernia surgery following Sunday’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, potentially sidelining him for up to a month. The club confirmed the procedure on Friday, stating it was “timed to have as minimal impact on the season as possible.”
Despite the need for surgery, Vicario is expected to be available for selection in the crucial relegation battle against Forest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, according to Sky Sports News. The 29-year-old has reportedly been managing the injury for several weeks, playing through the pain barrier.
The anticipated surgery opens the door for Antonin Kinsky to return to the starting lineup. Kinsky endured a difficult Champions League outing earlier this month, being substituted after just 17 minutes during the first leg of the last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid following two costly errors. He was subsequently omitted from the Czech Republic squad for their upcoming World Cup play-off campaign, meaning he will remain with Spurs during the international break.
Spurs manager Igor Tudor defended Kinsky following the match in Madrid, explaining the difficult position he faced in making the early substitution. “When you do that substitution after 15 minutes, the coach loses in both cases,” Tudor said. “If I didn’t, you are taking risk to concede one or two more goals. I took the decision after thinking and if I needed to, I would do the same again.” Tudor also stated he hugged Kinsky at halftime, adding, “Of course.” He further expressed confidence in Kinsky’s ability to recover, stating he has the “strength and quality” to bounce back.
Vicario’s potential absence could extend beyond the Forest match, with a return for the April 12th fixture against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light uncertain.
Tudor also provided positive updates on other injured players during his Friday press conference. James Maddison, who has been sidelined since pre-season with an ACL injury, is progressing well and could return before the end of the season. Dominic Solanke, who missed training on Friday with a hip problem, is expected to be fit for the match against Forest. Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie have returned from injury, while Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur are also nearing a return to fitness.
Sky Sports News reports that Tottenham are hoping for further positive news regarding player returns in the coming weeks, with a three-week break following the Forest game providing an opportunity for recovery and rehabilitation.
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