Tottenham: Xavi Simons suffers serious knee injury less than 50 days before the 2026 World Cup

Europe 25 April 2026 at 12:14

Nouya M'toama

News Editor

Major blow for the Spurs and the Netherlands. Just weeks away from the 2026 World Cup, Xavi Simons was stretchered off after a worrying injury during the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

On Saturday in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur's attacking midfielder collapsed after a challenge with Hugo Bueno, just over ten minutes after the break. Attempting a run near the goal line, the Dutchman lost his balance before twisting his leg.

Simons, visibly in a lot of pain and clutching his knee, initially tried to play on before he went down again. The medical team rushed onto the pitch, but the seriousness of the injury meant he had to be evacuated on a stretcher, under the anxious gaze of the crowd.

Tottenham sinks deeper into an injury crisis

This latest incident adds to what has already been a challenging season for the Spurs. Not long before, Dominic Solanke had also left the pitch with an injury. With Simons replaced by Lucas Bergvall, Tottenham is left further weakened in their league campaign.

On social media, London supporters swing between disbelief and resignation, lamenting a never-ending streak of bad luck.

Is the World Cup dream in real jeopardy?

With less than 50 days to go before the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, anxiety is running high. A key player for Ronald Koeman's squad, Xavi Simons may now see his participation thrown into doubt.

For now, the exact nature of the injury has not yet been announced. But based on the footage and the player's reaction, fears are mounting of a lengthy spell on the sidelines.