Tottenham Hotspur and Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and the 2026 World Cup after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee.
The 23-year-old was stretchered off during Tottenham's 1-0 win over Wolves on Saturday following a collision with defender Hugo Bueno. Spurs confirmed the injury, adding that Simons will undergo surgery in the coming weeks.
Simons expressed his devastation on social media, writing: "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. Honestly, I'm heartbroken. None of it makes sense."
ACL injuries typically sideline players for six to nine months. The injury is a massive blow to Tottenham, who are fighting relegation with only four games remaining. Despite the win over Wolves, they remain two points from safety.
The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off on June 11. The Netherlands begin their campaign against Japan on June 14. Simons, a key figure for his national team, will now miss the tournament.
"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," he added. "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."
Simons joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig for £52 million last summer, making 28 league appearances this season with two goals and five assists.