Guglielmo Vicario injury: Spurs’ Ange Postecoglou ‘shocked’

Ange Postecoglou has expressed his “shock” at discovering the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario suffered a broken ankle during his side’s 4-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday, adding that he believes it shows the Italy international is “tough as nails”.

Vicario was injured in a clash with City winger Savinho shortly before half-time at the Etihad but continued to play the full 90 minutes, producing a number of key saves to help Spurs stave off a comeback from Pep Guardiola’s side.

Spurs confirmed on Sunday that the 28-year-old had undergone surgery and would be out and will be assessed by the club’s medical staff to determine when he will be able to return to action.

“(It was first of all a bit of a shock,” Postecoglou told a press conference on Wednesday. “We obviously saw that he had picked up the injury during the game. He was sore at half-time, but there was no doubt that he continued. So you digest it, and then after the game, again, he was sore, but you kind of go, ‘well, he’s played 60 minutes, sore ankle — we’ll tap it up and go again.’

“And externally people now realize that’s a testament to him as a person. He’s as tough as nails, as tough as they come. The fact that he played at that level for 60 minutes with a broken ankle was quite outstanding. Like I said, I guess the shock of it wears off and then you just have to process that he’s going to be gone for a while.

“Knowing him, he’ll push the limits of how long it is, and knowing him, you’ll also get daily updates on it through his Instagram. But yeah, a big blow, but for him personally, because he had a excellent season for us and really growing as a leader in the group, but we’ve dealt with setbacks before and we’ll deal with this one.”

Postecoglou said Vicario is set to be out for “months” rather than weeks, but ruled out the prospect of signing a free agent who could bolster his goalkeeping options.

Fraser Forster, 36, is expected to deputize in Vicario’s absence. Forster has played three games for Spurs this season, including their Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar and defeat to Galatasaray.

“That’s why he’s here. Fraser played the Carabao Cup, he’s played a few European games and that’s why we played him, that’s why we have him in the squad. He’s ready to go,” the Australian coach said.

Tottenham, who are seventh in the Europa League table, host Roma in north London on Thursday.

Claudio Ranieri became Roma manager for the third time in his career on 14 November following the exit of Daniele De Rossi four games into the campaign and the 12-game reign of Ivan Juric, who was sacked on 10 November. Postecoglou praised the 73-year-old’s coaching longevity when asked about the manager he will face on Thursday.

“It’s unbelievable. It just shows the passion he has for the game because I’m sure there are more fun and simpler ways to enjoy your life now, but he still has that in him,” Postecoglou said.

“I haven’t come across him before but I’m looking forward to saying hello because it’s always nice to actually meet some of these people who have made such a massive impact in football, especially in my field, management.

“He’s always come across as a gentleman. I’m looking forward to meeting him and it just goes to show that that kind of mistake of being a manager on the sidelines doesn’t leave you.”