Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Xavi Simons has shared a positive update on his rehabilitation from a severe knee injury, even as he faces a prolonged recovery period that will keep him out of action for the remainder of the calendar year.
The Dutch international suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a Premier League fixture against Wolves at Molineux in April, subsequently undergoing surgery in May. The injury dealt a significant blow to both club and player, ruling Simons out of Tottenham's successful fight against relegation and preventing him from representing the Netherlands at the World Cup in North America.
While manager Roberto De Zerbi ultimately guided the north London club to top-flight safety on the final day of the season, Simons' international teammates struggled without him. The Netherlands suffered an early exit in North America, falling on penalties to Morocco in the first knockout round. The tournament itself saw several surprises, including a limited Spanish presence in the World Cup team of the tournament, reflecting Spain's own early struggles.
Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast, Simons reflected on his physical progress and the psychological challenges of dealing with a long-term layoff. "I'm in a good state right now [with] my knee," the midfielder said. He admitted that learning the timeline of his recovery was initially daunting. "When they tell you how long this injury is, and for me the first two days were really hard. But after that, I told myself, don't put the pressure really, really high on myself, and I'm seeing improvement every day, and that's something that makes me really happy."
Missing the World Cup was particularly difficult for Simons, who had established himself as a key figure during the Dutch qualifying campaign, unlike his minor role in Qatar four years ago. "This World Cup was a little bit different because I [felt that I] really could help the team to achieve the goal," he explained.
Recalling the moment he sustained the injury at Molineux, Simons revealed his immediate thoughts flew to the upcoming tournament. "When it happened on the pitch, the first reaction was, ‘Oh, the World Cup.’" However, he quickly found perspective in simpler daily achievements. "I have to be happy just walking again, going to the toilet and even having a drink with my family. So, that was something that really hit into my head."
Simons is highly unlikely to feature for Tottenham this calendar year, with his competitive return projected for 2027. In his absence, De Zerbi has initiated a major squad overhaul this summer, bringing in several new signings including Simons' Dutch compatriot Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes. Tonali, who has been in the spotlight, is also rumored to be on the guest list for a glamorous Donnarumma wedding to include Haaland, Tonali and Guardiola later this year.
Meanwhile, as the transfer window heats up, pundits are busy predicting which clubs the summer's biggest free agents will sign for, as teams look to bolster their squads alongside Tottenham's active rebuild.
Dutchman’s absence was a big blow for Spurs in relegation battle
He is still unlikely to feature for Spurs this calendar year, with his return expected for 2027.
