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Premier League goalkeeper transfer rules explained as Tottenham seek Guglielmo Vicario replacement

Guglielmo Vicario will have to watch on from the stands over the coming weeks due to injury
-Credit: (Image: (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))


Fraser Forster looks set to get an extended run in the Tottenham team following the news that Guglielmo Vicario faces a spell on the sidelines. The Italian underwent surgery on Monday due to a fracture of his right ankle.

Vicario sustained the issue during a first-half collision with Manchester City ace Savinho as Spurs won 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening. The shot-stopper did manage to play on for the remainder of the match and the news that broke late on Monday evening came as a shock to Tottenham fans.

A statement from the club 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."

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Vicario's absence looks set to see Forster take on the gloves with Tottenham facing a busy schedule in the Premier League, Europa League and Carabao Cup. The veteran goalkeeper has already made three appearances for the Lilywhites this term, with two of those coming in the Europa League and one in the late Carabao Cup win over Coventry City in September.

Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman will provide cover to the 36-year-old in the weeks ahead. Vicario's injury has seen some Tottenham fans question if the club can bring in a temporary replacement for the club's No.1

It is not uncommon for clubs to be given special dispensation to sign an emergency goalkeeper when they have no senior cover in the goalkeeping department. As per the Premier League handbook under rule V.7.6.2, it states: "The temporary transfer of a goalkeeper which in its absolute discretion the board may allow in circumstances it considers to be exceptional."

As Vicario is the only senior goalkeeper out injured at present, it is extremely unlikely that it would be classed as "exceptional" circumstances. That is because Tottenham have three other senior goalkeepers who are currently fit and available and part of the team's 25-man Premier League squad that was submitted after the closure of the summer transfer window.

Tottenham only named 23 players out of a possible 25 in their squad, with Vicario, Forster, Austin and Whiteman the four goalkeepers on the list. In regards to signing possible free agents, football.london understands that any player currently without a club would be able to play right away as there are currently two available spaces in Tottenham's 25-man squad.

The north London club could well look to address the matter at the turn of the year when the January transfer reopens for business. As we're now at the end of November, Premier League clubs will just have to wait over a month to add to their playing squad come the start of January.

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