Tottenham have confirmed midfielder Xavi Simons sustained a ruptured ACL in Saturday’s win at Wolves and will miss the rest of the season, as well as the World Cup.
The Netherlands international suffered the injury during the second half of the game at Molineux after falling awkwardly near the touchline.
Simons took to social media last night, suggesting the prognosis was not good, saying “life can be cruel”, and Spurs announced this morning that the 23-year-old was now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The club statement read: “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.”
Simons’ injury is a huge blow for a Spurs side scrapping to avoid relegation.
The victory against Wolves, secured by Joao Palhinha’s close-range goal, was their first in the league since December. But the other weekend results, that included wins for Nottingham Forest and West Ham, means they remain two points from safety.
I am heartbroken, says stricken Xavi Simons
Roberto De Zerbi will miss a player like Simons, who offers creativity in a workmanlike side, as will Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman.
Being forced out of this summer’s showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico is a major blow for Simons. He wrote on Instagram last night: “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. 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 teammate 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.”
