Guglielmo Vicario's Tottenham teammates have rallied around the goalkeeper after it was confirmed he suffered a broken ankle during their thumping 4-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday.
Spurs announced in a statement on Monday that Vicario, 28, has undergone surgery for a fracture in his right ankle and he is now expected to be out for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, Vicario revealed in an Instagram post that he, in fact, played 60 minutes against City with the injury and was still able to keep a clean sheet.
"Sometimes football gives you its highs, and sometimes it challenges you in ways you don't expect," Vicario said. "I played 60 minutes at the Etihad with a broken bone in my ankle, giving absolutely everything I had for the team. Unfortunately there was no way around this one... I needed surgery.
"I'm disappointed I won't be able to help the team for a while. A massive thank you to the doctors and the staff. The operation went well, and from tomorrow I'll be working hard to come back stronger, fitter, and ready to give my all for you again. Thank you to the Spurs fans for all the love. See you soon on the pitch," with a flexed biceps emoji and football emoji.
Vicario's Tottenham teammates have shown support to him on Instagram after he revealed the extent of his ankle issue. In the comments section of his post, James Maddison said: "Back soon brother," followed by a white love heart emoji." Destiny Udogie added: "We'll be waiting for you brother," with a red love heart emoji.
Dejan Kulusevski posted a red love heart emoji, while Richarlison said: "Strong bro," alongside a raising hands emoji and a red love heart emoji. Manor Solomon, who is on loan at Championship side Leeds, continued: "Speedy recovery my brother," followed with a white love heart emoji.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, on loan at Marseille from Spurs, said: "Stay strong grande," alongside a red love heart emoji. "Forza". Former Tottenham defender Emerson Royal wrote: "Come on brother," with the fire emoji.
Dominic Solanke, Pedro Porro, Pape Matar Sarr were among the others to show their support for the Italian, who is now expected to miss a number of weeks, presenting a huge blow for Tottenham's top-four hopes.
Vicario's injury comes after Spurs thrashed City over the weekend, with a first-half James Maddison brace and goals from Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson after the break securing the win.