Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Xavi Simons has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and the World Cup after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament. The 23-year-old suffered the injury during Saturday's 1-0 victory over Wolves at Molineux and is expected to be sidelined for approximately eight months.
Simons was stretchered off in the 63rd minute after twisting his knee while chasing a ball towards the byline. The injury is a significant blow for Spurs, who are battling relegation under new manager Roberto De Zerbi. Despite ending a 16-game winless run in the league, Tottenham remain 18th in the Premier League table, two points from safety with four matches left.
De Zerbi was already without nine players for the trip to Wolves, and striker Dominic Solanke also limped off with a muscle injury. Spurs face Aston Villa on Sunday in their next fixture.
In an emotional Instagram post, Simons wrote: '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. 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.'
Tottenham confirmed in a statement that Simons will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and begin rehabilitation with the club's medical team, adding: 'Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur sends Xavi our love and support – we will be with him every step of the way.'
