Xavi Simons injury adds to Tottenham misfortune and rules him out of World Cup
The Tottenham midfielder suffered a serious knee injury during Saturday’s vital victory at Molineux
Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Xavi Simons will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign and this summer’s World Cup after sustaining a serious knee injury during Saturday’s vital victory at Molineux.
While Spurs secured a crucial 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday – their first in 2026 in the Premier League – the victory has been overshadowed by the loss of the Dutch international.
It has now been confirmed by both the club that the 23-year-old has ruptured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
Simons appeared to hyperextend his right knee while chasing a loose ball toward the byline before being stretchered off in visible distress.
“We can confirm that Xavi Simons has ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee,” a Spurs statement read.
“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 injury comes as a major blow for manager Roberto De Zerbi, who was already dealing with a depleted squad before losing both Simons and striker Dominic Solanke during the match. In an emotional address on social media, Simons described his devastation at the timing of the setback.
“They say life can be cruel and today it feels that way,” he remarked. “My season has come to an abrupt end and I’m just trying to process it. Honestly, I’m heartbroken.
“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.”
De Zerbi demands mentality shift as survival fight intensifies
Despite the discouraging news regarding Simons, Tottenham managed to secure three points against Wolves thanks to a late winner from João Palhinha.
However, the team remain in the bottom three, sitting two points behind 17th-placed West Ham United following the Hammers’ own dramatic victory over Everton.
De Zerbi has called for a positive response from his remaining senior players as they prepare for a daunting trip to face Aston Villa next weekend. The manager noted that while the squad is injury-hit, the win on Saturday must serve as a catalyst for the final month of the campaign.
The absence of Simons is particularly felt given his recent form, which included a standout performance against Brighton just a week prior.
