Simons devastated as ACL injury ends season and world cup dream

Xavi Simons has expressed deep disappointment after suffering a serious knee injury that has ruled him out for the remainder of the season with Tottenham Hotspur and this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sport360NG reports. 

The Netherlands international sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during Tottenham’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. The 23-year-old midfielder was stretchered off in the second half after a collision with Wolves defender Hugo Bueno, having initially attempted to continue before collapsing again.

Tottenham later confirmed the severity of the injury, revealing that Simons will undergo surgery in the coming weeks before beginning a lengthy rehabilitation programme.

In an emotional message shared on social media, Simons admitted he was struggling to come to terms with the setback.

“They say life can be cruel and today it feels that way,” he wrote. “My season has come to an abrupt end and I’m trying to process it. Honestly, I’m heartbroken.”

ACL injuries typically sideline players for between six and nine months, effectively ending Simons’ campaign and ruling him out of international duty. The timing is particularly painful, with the Netherlands set to open their World Cup campaign in Group F against Japan on June 14.

“All I’ve wanted is to fight for my team, and now that’s been taken away from me,  along with the World Cup,” he added. “Representing my country this summer is gone. It will take time to come to terms with it.”

Simons joined Spurs from RB Leipzig in a £52 million move last summer and has made 28 league appearances this season, contributing two goals and five assists. Despite flashes of quality, he has found it difficult to consistently influence games during a turbulent campaign for the North London side.

Tottenham’s struggles have been compounded by instability in the dugout, with managerial changes involving Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor before the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi.

The club currently sits 18th in the Premier League table, two points from safety with four matches remaining, as they battle to avoid relegation.

Simons’ absence further deepens Spurs’ injury concerns, with Dominic Solanke also forced off in the same match. Key players including Ben Davies, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Wilson Odobert and Cristian Romero are all sidelined.

With crucial fixtures against Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton still to come, Tottenham face a daunting challenge to preserve their top-flight status without one of their key midfield options.