Tottenham could change January transfer plans after Vicario injury blow

Tottenham are likely to pursue a goalkeeper earlier than planned after Guglielmo Vicario suffered a serious injury.

Vicario has been the team's No. 1 since arriving in North London but will now be out of action after the end of the January transfer window. The Italian will undergo surgery on Monday to repair a broken foot, an injury he sustained during the victory over Manchester City.

Vicario managed to finish the match but was sent for a scan on Sunday which revealed he had broken a bone in his ankle, forcing Tottenham to make contingency plans. Ange Postecoglou will have to rely on 36-year-old Fraser Forster until Vicario returns or they can sign a new goalkeeper.

Tottenham's plan this summer was to bring in a young goalkeeper to provide some competition for their first-choice shot-stopper, but that plan could now be accelerated following the injury blow, the Evening Standard reports.

There is no timeline for Vicario's return, but he is not expected until after January, which could force the club to sign a new goalkeeper early in the window once the new year arrives. They could sign a free agent before then, but cannot sign any new players until the window opens.

Forster is expected to make his fourth appearance of the season against Roma in the Europa League on Thursday and is then set to make a first Premier League start since May 2023 in Sunday's clash with Fulham.

The experienced goalkeeper impressed with his performances at Southampton earlier in his career, becoming part of the English picture during his peak years.

Vicario has spoken out about his injury, saying on social media: “Sometimes football gives you its highlights, and sometimes it challenges you in ways you don't expect. I played 60 minutes at the Etihad with a broken bone in my ankle, which “Absolutely everything I had for the team. Unfortunately I couldn't avoid this. I'm disappointed that I can't help the team for a while.”

Tottenham have the third best defense in the league so far and are once again managing to build a top four attack. Vicario had kept three clean sheets this season prior to his injury.