Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major blow after goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario suffered a broken ankle during their 4-0 victory over Manchester City at the weekend.
Vicario, who sustained the injury just 30 minutes into the game, astonishingly played the full match before undergoing surgery. The Italian shot-stopper has now embarked on a recovery period, leaving Spurs scrambling for a short-term replacement. Reports suggest chairman Daniel Levy is eyeing Burnley’s James Trafford and Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson as potential January targets.
Vicario’s Emotional Statement
Vicario took to Instagram to reflect on his determination during the match and express gratitude for the support he has received:
“I 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. A massive thank you to the doctors and staff. The operation went well, and from tomorrow, I’ll be working hard to come back stronger.”
Tottenham later confirmed the news in a club statement:
“We can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario has today undergone surgery for a fracture of his right ankle. He will be assessed by our medical staff to determine when he can return to training.”
Potential January Replacements
Tottenham’s reported targets for the January transfer window include James Trafford and Anthony Patterson. Trafford, currently with Burnley, is believed to be keen on a Premier League return following his side’s relegation. Meanwhile, Patterson has impressed at Sunderland, attracting attention from several top-tier clubs.
Both players would provide Ange Postecoglou with reliable options to cover for Vicario during his absence, though Tottenham’s ultimate decision may hinge on availability and cost.
Spurs’ Goalkeeping Dilemma
Vicario’s injury comes at a challenging time for Tottenham, who are performing strongly under Postecoglou. However, the need for a steady presence in goal could define their season. The club has yet to confirm whether a youth player or existing squad member will step up in the interim, adding urgency to the search for an external replacement.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
