Xavi Simons has issued an update on his long-term injury as he eyes a comeback with Tottenham. The Dutchman tore his anterior cruciate ligament against Wolves in April this year, having surgery in May. It ruled him out of the remainder of the campaign - as Spurs were fighting to stay in the Premier League - and this summer's World Cup, where he would have played with the Netherlands.
Simons on his recovery
Speaking to The Sports Agents podcast, Simons said: "I'm in a good state right now [with] my knee. When they tell you how long this injury is, and for me the first two days were really hard. But after that, I told myself, don't put the pressure really, really high on myself, and I'm seeing improvement every day, and that's something that makes me really happy."
The ligament rupture meant that Simons missed what would have been his second World Cup of his career, having featured in a bit-part role in Qatar four years ago. "This World Cup was a little bit different because I [felt that I] really could help the team to achieve the goal," he explained.
Reflecting on the injury
Looking back at sustaining the injury at Molineux, Simons said that he was grateful to be able to do menial tasks. "When it happened on the pitch, the first reaction was, 'Oh, the World Cup.' I have to be happy just walking again, going to the toilet and even having a drink with my family. So, that was something that really hit into my head."
He is still unlikely to feature for Spurs this calendar year, with his return expected for 2027. Roberto De Zerbi has overseen a serious squad overhaul this summer, with the likes of Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes joining.
