Xavi Simons has provided an update on his recovery after confirming he faces months on the sidelines following a serious knee injury. The Dutch winger sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during Tottenham's 1-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday afternoon.
Simons was stretchered off the pitch following the incident, and the club released a statement confirming supporters' worst fears. On Monday, Spurs announced: "We can confirm that Xavi Simons has ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee. The 23-year-old suffered the injury during the second half of our Premier League fixture at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"Xavi will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and, following that, will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team. Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur sends Xavi our love and support - we will be with him every step of the way."
But just days on from the crushing news, Simons has already remarkably posted pictures of himself training in the gym as he embarks on his road to recovery. The creative talent shared the surprise image on Snapchat, captioned: "No matter what!"
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
The 23-year-old faces a desperately difficult period ahead, with the injury expected to keep him sidelined for as long as eight months.
As a result, he will almost certainly miss out on a place in the Netherlands squad for the forthcoming World Cup. Taking to Instagram to express his feelings, Simons said: "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."
"Representing my country this summer...just gone. It'll take time to find peace with this, but I'll continue to be the best teammate I can be. I have no doubt that together we'll win this fight."
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
£44 View Deal
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
"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. Be patient with me. TTP. COYS."
Simons joins a mounting list of injury casualties at Tottenham, a club that has endured a torrid campaign. Cristian Romero faces eight weeks on the sidelines with a knee tear, while Wilson Odobert is also set for a lengthy spell out following an ACL injury.