Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed Tottenham Hotspur will once again be without Guglielmo Vicario for Monday night’s crucial Premier League meeting with Leeds United — news that many Spurs supporters may actually welcome.
Tottenham head into the clash still fighting to avoid relegation, with every remaining fixture carrying huge significance in their battle to stay above the bottom three. Leeds United, meanwhile, have eased some of their own concerns in recent weeks and are edging closer to securing Premier League survival.
Spurs boosted their hopes with a massive 2-1 victory over Aston Villa last weekend, capitalising on West Ham United’s heavy defeat to Brentford to move clear of the relegation zone. It was arguably Roberto De Zerbi’s most important result since taking charge in north London.
One of the standout performers in that victory was goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who has grown into a key figure for Tottenham during Vicario’s absence. The young Czech shot-stopper has impressed in recent weeks after stepping in for the Italian, who underwent surgery for a hernia problem that had reportedly affected his form earlier in the campaign.
Although Vicario was initially expected to return quickly, De Zerbi has now confirmed the experienced goalkeeper is still unavailable ahead of the Leeds encounter.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi revealed there are no fresh injury concerns in the squad but admitted Vicario is not yet ready to return to action.
The Tottenham manager explained that the goalkeeper is frustrated by his inability to help the team during such an important period of the season, though he remains unavailable for selection.
Despite Vicario’s continued absence technically being a setback, many Spurs fans are unlikely to view it negatively given Kinsky’s recent performances. The 22-year-old has provided composure and confidence at the back, leading some supporters to believe he could become Tottenham’s long-term number one.
Kinsky is now expected to keep his place against Leeds and could remain between the posts for the rest of Tottenham’s survival fight if his impressive form continues.
With no new injuries reported and momentum finally beginning to build under De Zerbi, Spurs will hope another strong display on Monday can move them a step closer to Premier League safety.
