The return of Tottenham's injured players cannot come soon enough for Ange Postecoglou. Knocked out of the FA Cup on Sunday evening at Aston Villa, the 59-year-old acknowledged his "respect and admiration" for his small group of players who have played every game without a break in the space of two-and-a-half months.

The players in question will have a break of sorts over the coming days as Tottenham have a rare week without a midweek fixture. Taking on Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday evening, the hope will be that Postecoglou has some additional players to choose from with some nearing their return.

It's not only an injury boost the boss requires right now, though, as he also needs leaders on his pitch who can help guide Tottenham through a tricky patch to brighter days. There was a real lack of leadership in last week's cup defeats against Liverpool and Aston Villa, with Son Heung-min's role as captain questioned by many as a result.

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Amid those questions over whether Son is the right man for the job or not, Spurs need their other senior players to step up and be counted at a time when they are fielding an extremely young XI. The upcoming returns of vice-captains Cristian Romero and James Maddison could possibly help matters on the pitch, but it may be Guglielmo Vicario's comeback from injury that proves key.

Spurs have had to do without the Italian since the end of November after injuring his ankle in the 4-0 win over Manchester City and he has been missed. As well as Antonin Kinsky has done in goal for Tottenham other than his early error at Aston Villa on Sunday evening, the leadership qualities that Vicario brings have been dearly lacking.

Joining from Empoli in the summer of 2023, the shot-stopper has made a real impression both on and off the pitch. Vicario is a warrior and his winning mentality is exactly what this Tottenham team miss right now.

Some may question the role of a leader in goal but Hugo Lloris' leadership qualities on the pitch all became clear during lockdown when games were played behind closed doors. The Frenchman could be heard bellowing at his teammates non-stop and it soon became evident why he was the man with the armband.

Vicario does likewise through Tottenham games, with the Italian's dressing down of teenager Lucas Bergvall a talking point in the final few minutes of the team's draw with Leicester City on the opening weekend of the season. He is clearly not afraid to speak his mind and let his teammates know if something is not right.

Back in December, the 28-year-old was all action on the touchline as Tottenham held on to beat Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. Speaking to the media the following day when previewing the Liverpool home fixture, Postecoglou opened up on Vicario and pointed to his leadership qualities.

"He's going well, typical of Vic, he's pushing every boundary," said the Australian. "Obviously, he's still a fair bit away, but whatever timeline that is, he will make sure he's back as quickly as possible.

"He's still very much around the group. We saw him last night, he's also training every day. He's so invested in what we're doing, helping the keepers, helping the whole group. He's one of the leaders and, yes, he's progressing well."

Earlier in the season, Postecoglou explained exactly why he had added Vicario to Tottenham's leadership group. He said: "Criticism is just part of the nature of football these days. We have had a few under the spotlight. I included him the leadership [group] this year I have just seen his growth. He is one of those guys who is really positive. He comes in everyday wanting to work, he comes in on his days off wanting to work.

"He is a great example for everyone and a great human being as well. I thought he could add something to our leadership group. It's great for him to get the armband last night [vs Qarabag] and I thought he rose to the occasion. He was big for us.

"He hasn't had to make too many big saves in the first few games for us but we needed him for a couple last night and he was great."

Kinsky has performed well in goal since his move from Slavia Prague but the return of Vicario could add something different to this Tottenham team. They certainly need it if they are going to arrest their current run of form and finish the season on a high.

Vicario's return could possibly come against Manchester United on Sunday evening if Postecoglou's injury update prior to the Brentford game is anything to go by. The Australian mentioned that it could be "around 10 days time" when players such as Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner make their comeback, something Spurs really need right now after playing so much football with very few numbers of late.

As vital as it is that Tottenham receive a much-needed squad boost going on their form, they also need a leadership boost from their returning players. Vicario can help give them that.

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