At a glance:
- De Zerbi makes Vicario admission
- Italian attracting strong interest from Inter Milan
- Vicario still out after hernia surgery
Gugliemo Vicario is still not fit enough to return to action for Tottenham as they prepare to take on Leeds United later today.
The Italian goalkeeper is yet to feature under Roberto De Zerbi, with his last appearance for the club coming in their 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest under Igor Tudor.
Vicario underwent hernia surgery last month and is still working his way up to full fitness.
It remains to be seen if he features for Tottenham this season, especially with Antonin Kinsky impressing in his absence.
And now, ahead of the game against Leeds, De Zerbi has responded to speculation surrounding the goalkeeper’s future.
De Zerbi coy on Vicario’s Tottenham future
Vicario has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan, with reports in Italy claiming that he has a verbal agreement with the Serie A giants.
With just three games left for the current season to end, he may have already played his last game for the club, although that is unlikely.
When asked about Vicario’s future in his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi refused to dwell on transfers, indicating that his focus is to see off the rest of the current season.
“I don’t know. If you ask me if I have any ideas about next season, my answer is no,” said the head coach.
“For two reasons, one, I have no time to think about next season, and two, after two wins if I lose time thinking about next season’s squad, I am being arrogant.
“You think after two wins, after a very tough period, you already consider yourself safe? No, no.”
Who could replace Vicario at Tottenham?
Kinsky has impressed since his horror show in Spain, but the Czech international is still a rough diamond and is unlikely to be a starter.
Tottenham have been linked with a move for Bart Verbruggen, whom De Zerbi knows quite well from his time at Brighton. Due to their previous connection and his ability on the ball, the Dutch international could well emerge as the ideal candidate to replace Vicario in the summer.
We’ve covered Tottenham’s shortlist to replace Vicario extensively on Read Tottenham and here are some of the other names who have been linked:
- Robin Risser (Lens)
- Robin Roefs (Sunderland)
- James Trafford (Manchester City)
- Noah Atubolu (Freiburg)
- Karl Darlow (Leeds United)
- Lucas Chevalier (PSG)
Vicario has endured a difficult season but has been a fantastic servant for the club, all things considered.
He’ll be missed if he leaves, but Tottenham won’t be short of options to replace him in the upcoming summer transfer window.
