After a damaged anterior cruciate ligament ruined his season with Tottenham Hotspur and dashed his aspirations of competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Dutch forward Xavi Simons says he is “heartbroken.”
After colliding with defender Hugo Bueno during Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Netherlands attacking midfielder was taken off on a stretcher. He made a fleeting attempt to go on before passing out once more.
Later, Spurs acknowledged the seriousness of the injury and announced that surgery would be performed in the upcoming weeks.
Simons posted on social media, saying, “They say life can be cruel and today it feels that way.” “I’m simply trying to process the sudden end of my season. To be honest, I’m devastated. It all doesn’t make sense.
“We can confirm that Xavi Simons has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee,” the team said in a statement. In the upcoming weeks, Xavi will have surgery, after which he will start his recuperation with our medical staff.
Simons will not be able to compete in the summer event that the United States, Canada, and Mexico are hosting because ACL tears usually keep athletes out of action for six to nine months. On June 14, the Netherlands will play Japan in Group F.
“All I’ve wanted to do is fight for my team, and now the World Cup and the ability to do that have been snatched away from me,” he continued.
This summer, I was representing my country—just gone. I will continue to be the greatest teammate I can be, but it will take some time to come to terms with this. I am confident that we will prevail in this battle as a team.
“As I count down the days till I’m back out there, I’ll tread this route with faith, strength, resilience, and belief. Please be patient with me.
After spending £52 million to join Spurs from RB Leipzig last summer, Simons has made 28 Premier League appearances, scoring twice and dishing out five assists during a tumultuous season that saw Igor Tudor and Thomas Frank leave before Roberto De Zerbi arrived.
The injury occurs at a crucial juncture in Tottenham’s battle for survival. With four games remaining against Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea, and Everton, Spurs are currently in 18th place, two points outside of safety.
