Vicario injury blow as Tottenham keeper set for surgery

Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is set to undergo surgery on Monday after being diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, in a setback that could rule him out for the remainder of the season.

The Italian international picked up the issue following Spurs’ Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid on 18 March 2026, with further medical checks confirming the need for an operation, according to reports from Italy.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio and SportMediaset, Vicario will undergo surgery in the coming days after developing a hernia problem that has worsened since the Atlético fixture.

The injury has already ruled him out of Italy’s March international break, and early indications suggest he will face several weeks on the sidelines.

That timeline places his involvement in Tottenham’s final run of fixtures in doubt.

The timing of Vicario’s injury presents a significant challenge for Tottenham, who are currently battling to avoid relegation.

Based on recent matches we’ve covered, Vicario has been one of the more consistent performers in an otherwise difficult season, making his absence particularly impactful.

His unavailability means he will miss key fixtures, including the upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest on 22 March 2026, widely viewed as a relegation six-pointer.

However, it remains too early to confirm whether his season is definitively over.

With Vicario sidelined, Igor Tudor is expected to turn to Antonín Kinský as the club’s first-choice option.

The goalkeeper endured a difficult Champions League debut against Atlético Madrid, but is now likely to be given an extended run in the side. Brandon Austin remains the alternative within the squad.

This enforced change will test Tottenham’s defensive stability during a crucial period.

Vicario’s injury has also affected Italy’s preparations for their World Cup play-off fixtures.

Gennaro Gattuso has already called up Alex Meret as a replacement, ensuring continuity within the national team setup.

While Italy have depth in the position, Vicario’s absence removes an option at a key moment in their campaign.

Vicario is expected to begin his recovery immediately after surgery, with Tottenham monitoring his progress over the coming weeks. A clearer timeline for his return should emerge in April, depending on how rehabilitation develops.

In the short term, Tottenham must adapt quickly, with crucial fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Wolves on 25 April 2026 and Leeds United on 9 May 2026 shaping their survival hopes.