In a huge blow to the Netherlands’ World Cup preparations and Tottenham’s Premier League survival bid, star midfielder Xavi Simmons has been sidelined for a long period after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee.
The dynamic midfielder will require surgery on his ACL, which means not only will he miss Tottenham’s relegation battle but also the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada in June-July.
Simons sustained the horrific injury on Saturday during Tottenham’s 1-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers and was stretchered off in the 63rd minute.
“Xavi will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and, following that, will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team,” the club said.
Simons confirmed on Sunday that his season had “come to an abrupt end” after injuring his knee, which will rule him out of the marquee event in North America.
“They say life can be cruel, and today it feels that way,” the 23-year-old said in an Instagram post.
Simmons ‘heartbroken’ after cruel injury blow
“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. Representing my country this summer…just gone.”
Simons was primed to play a key role in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad for the showpiece event. Instead, he will watch from the sidelines and support the Orange in what would have been his second World Cup after his debut in 2022.
He has made 34 international appearances, with his most recent outing coming in friendlies in March.
His injury comes as a major blow for Spurs during a treacherous Premier League season for the North London club. With just four games remaining, the Spurs find themselves in the relegation zone, sitting 18th in the points table on 34 points, two points away from safety.