Xavi Simons targets Spurs return after ACL injury and World Cup heartbreak

By SABC Sport
24th July 2026

Xavi Simons has admitted he now appreciates the simple things in life after the serious knee injury that ruled him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Spurs' 1-0 Premier League victory over Wolves on 25 April. The injury ended his season and cost him a place in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup.

Simons underwent successful surgery on 5 May and is now continuing his rehabilitation as he works towards a return to action in early 2027.

Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast, the 23-year-old said the injury completely changed his perspective.

"Through the years, I've seen a lot of players getting injured, and you never think, 'Okay, this can happen to me,'" Simons said.

He explained that the reality of the injury only truly hit him after spending time in hospital and being unable to look after himself.

"After one week in the hospital, I couldn't do anything by myself. I could barely walk to the toilet. I needed someone to help me. That's when it really hit me," he said.

Simons said the experience made him realise how quickly footballers live their lives and how easily everyday moments can be taken for granted.

"My life goes so fast. Footballers' lives go so fast that we are not conscious about the little things in life," he said.

"At that moment, I told myself I had to be happy just walking again, going to the toilet by myself and even having a drink with my family. That really changed my thinking."

The midfielder also admitted missing the World Cup was one of the hardest parts of the setback.

"The first two days were really hard, especially because we were with Tottenham and the World Cup was coming," Simons said.

"I've already played in one World Cup, but this one was different because I felt I could really help the team achieve our goal."

Simons returned to Tottenham's Hotspur Way training ground in July, around 10 weeks after surgery, to continue his recovery programme. He is currently focusing on rebuilding strength in the gym before progressing to running.

Medical estimates suggest the Netherlands international could return to competitive action around February 2027 if his rehabilitation continues as planned.