Tottenham Hotspur’s first-choice goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, is set for an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a broken ankle during Spurs' emphatic 4-0 victory over Manchester City. Despite sustaining the injury in a first-half collision, the determined Italian international completed the match at the Etihad Stadium.

The club has confirmed that the 28-year-old underwent surgery on Monday. In an official statement, Spurs announced: “We can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario has today undergone surgery for a fracture of his right ankle. Guglielmo will be assessed by our medical staff to determine when he can return to training. We’re all behind you, Vic.”

In Vicario’s absence, the goalkeeping responsibilities will fall to veteran Fraser Forster. The 36-year-old has already featured for Spurs this season in the Carabao Cup and Europa League. Forster’s last Premier League appearance came in a 4-1 victory over Leeds United on the final day of the previous campaign, while his most recent England cap dates back to 2016.

Vicario, who joined Spurs from Empoli during the summer transfer window, has been a standout performer since his arrival. The match against Manchester City marked his 50th appearance for the North London club. His contributions were crucial in the team’s response to an earlier unexpected defeat to Ipswich, and his enthusiasm on the pitch reflected his importance to the squad.

After the final whistle, Vicario celebrated with the travelling supporters and later shared an uplifting message on Instagram: “A lot of noise recently but this is why we do it. Great win away from home.”

The injury is undoubtedly a setback for Spurs, but the team will hope Forster’s experience can help maintain their strong form in Vicario’s absence.