Guglielmo Vicario, the Italian international goalkeeper, is confirmed to start for Tottenham’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest this Sunday afternoon. This decision comes despite his recent refusal of a national team call-up, as he is scheduled for an operation next week.
Vicario’s Absence from Italy Squad Explained
Vicario was notably absent from Gennaro Gattuso’s 28-player Italy squad for the upcoming World Cup play-offs during this international break. The Azzurri are set to host Northern Ireland on Thursday evening in the semi-final, with the winner progressing to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a spot in the final tournament.
Tottenham confirmed that Vicario’s unavailability for the national team stems from an impending surgery for a sports hernia. The procedure is scheduled for next week and is expected to sideline the goalkeeper for approximately one month.
Spurs stated that Vicario chose to undergo the surgery now to minimize disruption to his club commitments. His decision to miss the play-offs is logical, especially since Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City is anticipated to start both matches for Italy, should they advance past Northern Ireland.
Nonetheless, it is somewhat unexpected that Vicario will start for Tottenham in their Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, considering his operation is scheduled for just a few days later.
