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Tottenham Hotspur's Injury Challenges: Guglielmo Vicario and Dejan Kulusevski

3/28/2026, 3:48:31 PM

Guglielmo Vicario's Hernia Surgery

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario recently underwent hernia surgery after months of playing through pain. His goalkeeping coach, Fabian Otte, indicated that Vicario had been struggling with the injury for an extended period, which likely contributed to a significant decline in his performance metrics this season. Despite the discomfort, Vicario participated in a match against Nottingham Forest before his surgery, aiming to support his team during a challenging season. The timing of the surgery was strategically planned to coincide with a break in Tottenham's fixtures, allowing Vicario to recover before the team's next match against Sunderland on April 12. He is expected to return to action within a month, potentially missing only one game.

Dejan Kulusevski's Recovery Journey

In parallel, Tottenham midfielder Dejan Kulusevski is also navigating his own injury challenges. After undergoing knee surgery last May, Kulusevski has been sidelined for nearly a year. Recently, he revealed that he had a minor procedure to clean out his knee, which he described as a positive step toward recovery. Kulusevski expressed optimism about returning in time for the upcoming World Cup, stating, "I understand that people were worried, but it was really for the wrong reason." He emphasized his determination to recover fully, asserting, "I’ve never felt better in my life."

Kulusevski's absence has been felt by Tottenham, particularly as the team struggles to avoid relegation. He has reassured fans that he is focused on returning to the pitch stronger than ever, aiming to contribute to both his club and national team.

Impact on Tottenham's Season

Both Vicario and Kulusevski's injuries highlight the broader challenges faced by Tottenham Hotspur this season. The club currently sits precariously above the relegation zone, and the absence of key players has exacerbated their struggles. Vicario's decision to play through injury has raised concerns among fans regarding the club's medical staff and the management of player health. Critics argue that earlier intervention might have benefited both the player and the team.

Official Statements & Responses

Tottenham's coaching staff has expressed support for both Vicario and Kulusevski during their recovery processes. Otte praised Vicario's commitment to the team, stating, "So much respect for what you went through for months to be there for the team every game." Kulusevski, in his updates, has consistently conveyed a positive outlook, emphasizing his readiness to return and contribute to the team's efforts in the Premier League and the World Cup.

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

While both players are optimistic about their recoveries, there remains uncertainty regarding the exact timeline for their returns. Some reports suggest that Kulusevski may not be back in time for the end of the current Premier League season, while others maintain that he could be fit for crucial matches. The situation remains fluid, with fans eagerly awaiting updates on both players' conditions as Tottenham navigates a challenging period.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “So much respect for what you went through for months to be there for the team every game.” — Fabian Otte, Goalkeeping Coach
  • “I understand that people were worried, but it was really for the wrong reason,” — Dejan Kulusevski, Tottenham Midfielder
  • “I've never felt better in my life.” — Dejan Kulusevski, Tottenham Midfielder