Tottenham Hotspur announced that Xavi Simons has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and will require surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign and the upcoming World Cup. The 23‑year‑old Dutch attacking midfielder collapsed in the 58th minute of Saturday’s 1‑0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, clutching his right knee after a challenge with Wolves defender Hugo Bueno.
The injury forced him to be stretchered off Molineux and later confirmed as a season‑ending ACL tear. The loss of Simons, who arrived from Paris Saint‑Germain for a reported £52 million, adds to a growing list of setbacks for a Spurs side fighting to stay above the relegation line. With four matches remaining, Tottenham sit two points behind safety and are already missing other key signings such as Mohammed Kudus and captain Cristian Romero, both ruled out for the season earlier in De Zerbi’s tenure. Tottenham’s medical department released a statement on Monday confirming that Simons will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and then begin a structured rehabilitation program under the club’s supervision.
The midfielder himself posted on Instagram on Sunday, acknowledging that he would not be fit to feature in the final quartet of league fixtures nor represent the Netherlands at the summer World Cup. "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, expressing his disappointment. "Honestly, I'm heart‑broken.
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." Simons’ first season in England has been a roller‑coaster. After a promising start under former manager Thomas Frank, his playing time dwindled under Igor Tudor, who left him on the bench for extended periods. The arrival of Roberto De Zerbi seemed to revive his prospects, especially after he netted a spectacular goal in a 2‑2 home draw with Brighton, showcasing the creativity and flair that Tottenham have missed in recent weeks.
Now, with his participation ruled out, Simons will be unable to contribute to the club’s desperate push to overturn a two‑point deficit to West Ham United, who sit in 17th place. His absence leaves a void in the creative midfield, a role that has been difficult to fill given the limited attacking options available.
In a heartfelt message, Simons added, "It'll take some 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." Former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood, speaking to Sky Sports, highlighted the broader injury crisis that has plagued the club this season.
"Injuries have derailed Tottenham all season, and it can't be bad luck. They need to review and have a good look at what's happening to their players because we can all get injured from contact, but a lot of these injuries are not contact.
They are twists and soft‑tissue injuries. And ultimately, it looks like they might have to pay the price for it, the ultimate price, which is relegation." Sherwood also pointed out that other high‑profile players such as Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison have suffered lengthy layoffs, suggesting that a thorough medical audit may be required during the summer transfer window.
Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge echoed these concerns, noting the financial implications of retaining big‑wage players in the Championship should Spurs be relegated. "If Tottenham do get relegated, they could still have James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Xavi Simons, three very big names, still at the club in the Championship.
That's a ruptured ACL for Simons; you can forget this year. That's done. So with his wages and everything, you've got to look at the financial side of it as well.
I'm sorry to say, but Spurs' persistent injury issues need to be looked at. This is ridiculous now." Bridge also reflected on Simons’ adaptation to the Premier League, acknowledging the difficulty for a young player transitioning to English football. "We forget how young he is and how difficult it is to move to the Premier League.
So it's been a bit of an up and down first season for him. He's been in the side, out of the side, he showed more glimpses when he was playing in the Champions League for Spurs this season. Over the last few weeks under Roberto De Zerbi, he's really coming into his own.
He scored that absolutely stunning goal against Brighton. It really was a brilliant goal out of nothing. And this is what Spurs are going to miss over the next few games, just that individual bit of brilliance which he's capable of." With Simons sidelined, the onus now falls on the remaining squad members to step up and provide the creativity and goal‑threat that have been lacking.
Manager De Zerbi will need to reshuffle his midfield, possibly relying more on veteran James Maddison or exploring tactical adjustments to compensate for the loss of Simons' dynamism. The injury also raises questions about Tottenham's medical protocols and conditioning regimes.
Critics have suggested that the frequency of non‑contact injuries points to deeper issues in training load management, recovery processes, and perhaps even the pitch conditions at home and away venues. As the season draws to a close, Tottenham fans will be watching closely to see whether the club can muster enough points to avoid the drop without the contributions of one of its most expensive signings. For Simons, the focus now shifts to a long rehabilitation journey, with the hope of returning stronger and ready to compete for both club and country when he eventually recovers. The road ahead will be challenging for both player and club, but the resolve expressed by Simons and the urgency voiced by former staff and journalists underline the high stakes involved for Tottenham Hotspur as they strive to preserve their Premier League status.