Tottenham Hotspur winger Xavi Simons to miss rest of season and World Cup after suffering serious knee injury at Wolves

React to this story

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed another injury blow in their fight against Premier League relegation, with Xavi Simons ruled out for the rest of the season.

‘We have a chance of staying up’ - De Zerbi defiant after picking up first Tottenham win

Video credit: SNTV

The Dutch winger will also miss the World Cup after suffering a serious injury in Spurs' 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Simons jarred his knee on the turf at Molineux after chasing a loose ball alongside Wolves full-back Hugo Bueno.

After receiving treatment on the pitch, the 23-year-old feared the worst as he left on a stretcher, and it has now been confirmed that he faces surgery and a long time on the sidelines.

Transfers

Man Utd, Arsenal target impresses scouts with perfect hat-trick - Paper Round

6 hours ago

"They say life can be cruel and today it feels that way. My season has come to an abrupt end and I’m just trying to process it,” Simons wrote on Instagram.

"Honestly, I’m heartbroken. None of it makes sense. All I’ve wanted to do is fight for my team and now the ability to do that has been snatched away from me... along with the World Cup.

"Representing my country this summer... just gone. It’ll take time to find peace with this, but I’ll continue to be the best team-mate I can be.

"I have no doubt that together we’ll win this fight. I’ll walk this path now, guided by faith, with strength, with resilience, with belief, as I count down the days to getting back out there. Be patient with me. TTP. COYS."

In a difficult season for Spurs, Simons has been one of the few creative sparks and, under Roberto De Zerbi, he has been one of the leading figures in recent weeks.

He got a goal and an assist in their 2-2 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion in De Zerbi’s second game in charge and had looked lively at Molineux until his season came to an abrupt end.

Tottenham confirmed the extent of Simons' problem with a message posted on their social media channels.

"We can confirm that Xavi Simons has ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee.

"The 23-year-old suffered the injury during the second half of our Premier League fixture at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

"Xavi will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and, following that, will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team.

"Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur sends Xavi our love and support - we will be with him every step of the way," the statement said.

Simons was not the only casualty in the Black Country, with striker Dominic Solanke also pulling up injured with an apparent knee problem.

The England forward was replaced in the first half by Richarlison, who went on to assist Joao Palhinha’s winning goal.

Asked about the extent of the injury after the match, De Zerbi said: ”Solanke has suffered a muscular injury. It's not a big problem, I don't know how many games will lose him.”

The injury list keeps growing for Spurs, with captain Cristian Romero also ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee problem.

'I still believe' - Postecoglou on Spurs Premier League survival hopes

Video credit: TNT Sports

Even James Maddison’s return to the bench in recent weeks comes with the caveat that he is only there for morale purposes.

”No, he's not available yet. Especially this week, he felt pain, but not a so important problem. He will come with us on the bench because it's important if he plays or not. It doesn't matter,” De Zerbi recently said about Maddison’s return.

”It's better if he plays, for sure, but also as a guy, as a leader, as a positive guy inside of my dressing room. I want to see nice people and positive people and it's important also for his team-mates.”

An ever-growing injury list is doing little to build the confidence of a side facing a huge task to stay in England’s top division.

Spurs remain in the Premier League relegation zone, two points from safety as, despite their victory against Wolves, fellow strugglers West Ham United also won - against Everton - to keep themselves just above the bottom three.

Next up for Spurs is a trip to Aston Villa - live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, before they end the season with games against Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

Transfers