Tottenham find themselves in a tricky goalkeeping situation now that Guglielmo Vicario has recovered from hernia surgery, but Roberto De Zerbi should stick with Antonín Kinský rather than rushing to restore the Italian.
With only two games remaining to secure their top-flight status, Spurs’ fate is still in their own hands — though confidence is fragile heading into Tuesday’s away fixture against Chelsea, a ground where Tottenham have a poor recent record.
Much hinges on Sunday’s Newcastle vs West Ham encounter. Eddie Howe has underlined how much the match matters to his side, who are chasing European qualification and also keen to finish above local rivals Sunderland. If the Hammers win, they jump above Spurs and dramatically increase the stakes for the trip to west London two days later. Any other outcome would take some pressure off, and an unlikely Tottenham win at Stamford Bridge could then confirm their survival.
It will be a gruelling week emotionally, and supporters will hope De Zerbi keeps a clear head — particularly over the goalkeeping question. Kinský has simply done too much to be dropped just because Vicario is fit again.
Vicario’s value to the dressing room is not in doubt, and his difficult season may largely be explained by the hernia problem he played through for months. He is still capable of outstanding saves, but Kinský has arguably been the better performer lately. The young Czech bounced back impressively after his difficult night in Madrid, and a string of strong displays — including an excellent stop from Sean Longstaff in the Leeds match — has demonstrated both resilience and maturity. He has given himself a genuine shot at being first choice next season.
Vicario, meanwhile, continues to be linked with Inter Milan, and a return to Italy might benefit everyone involved, giving him the chance to rediscover his best form once fully fit.
For a time, it looked as though Vicario’s campaign was finished — he had been watching games in street clothes while Kinský held the position. His reappearance in training ahead of the Chelsea game has raised concerns that De Zerbi might tinker unnecessarily.
Kinský seems better suited to what De Zerbi demands from his goalkeeper: composed on the ball, assured under pressure, and tactically astute. Vicario, by contrast, can look uncertain with high balls and less confident when building from the back — and he has not played competitively for nearly two months.
It is a decision with serious consequences for Tottenham’s season, and fans will be hoping their manager gets it right.
