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Tottenham could delve into the January transfer market for a new goalkeeper amid fears Guglielmo Vicario faces months of the sidelines, talkSPORT understands.
Vicario has undergone surgery after playing on with a fractured ankle during Saturday’s stunning 4-0 win at champions Manchester City.
Vicario has revealed that he played through a broken ankleCredit: Instagram / @guglielmovicarioSpurs boss Ange Postecoglou could now look to bring in a new stopper this winter to cover for the Italian’s absence.
One potential option is Burnley’s James Trafford, who is keen to make a Premier League return.
Sunderland’s England under-21 ace Anthony Patterson is also on the radar of a number of top-flight sides.
Vicario picked up the knock to his ankle around the half-hour mark but he went on to play the full game and make five saves.
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Nothing seemed too noticeable at the time, although as he left the Etihad, he was spotted limping away from the dressing room.
And then on Monday afternoon, Tottenham announced that he had suffered a serious injury and was forced to undergo surgery.
A statement read: "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."
Then later on the same day, Vicario himself posted an update and revealed more details about his ankle problem.
The shot-stopper confirmed that he suffered the fracture during their win over Man City, playing on for an hour after the injury.
On top of his Instagram post, Vicario added more details on his storyCredit: Instagram / @guglielmovicarioHe wrote on Instagram: "Sometimes football gives you its highs, 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, giving absolutely everything I had for the team. Unfortunately, there was no way around this one...I needed surgery.
"I’m disappointed I won’t be able to help the team for a while.
"A massive thank you to the doctors and the staff. The operation went well, and from tomorrow I’ll be working hard to come back stronger, fitter, and ready to give my all for you again.
"Thank you to the Spurs fans for all the love. See you soon on the pitch."
So, Vicario looks set for a potentially long spell on the sidelines with what looks to be a serious injury.
That is news that will come at the wrong time for Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham who already have their two best centre-backs to worry about.
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven both missed the Man City game with injuries, as Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies started.
Forster will be called up to replace VicarioCredit: GettyIt means the makeshift defence will be getting even more jumbled unless the two defenders can make a recovery.
If they don't, then Fraser Forster, Dragusin and Davies will be set to start in the Europa League against Roma on Thursday, live on talkSPORT 2.
For Forster, that will be the first of a few fixtures in goal as he steps in for the period that Vicario will be out of action.
Postecoglou will not be looking forward to being without his No.1 who has the joint-third most clean sheets out of any goalkeeper in the Premier League.
The game against Man City was Vicario's 50th in England, and he's been a mainstay in the team since joining last summer from Empoli.
That has meant Forster has barely featured in the top flight, not starting a single league game so far this season.
Spurs are now considering whether or not to dip into the transfer market in January.
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He has played in the Europa League though, keeping one clean sheet and letting in three goals in two games.
Forster will be back in European action on Thursday now Vicario is out and the game is going to be live on the talkSPORT network.
Commentary will come from Jim Proudfoot and former England striker Dean Ashton.
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