The Dutch national team will be without former Leipzig player Xavi Simons for the summer World Cup. The Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder sustained a serious knee injury over the weekend, ending his season prematurely. The 23-year-old announced the news himself.
Simons was injured during Spurs’ crucial 1-0 victory against bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, a vital win in their relegation battle. He collapsed on the field with a pained expression and was eventually stretchered off. According to media reports, he is believed to have torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
In an emotional social media post late Sunday evening, Simons shared his feelings. «They say life can be cruel, and today it feels like it,» the midfielder wrote on Instagram. «My season has come to an abrupt end, and I’m trying to process it all. Honestly, I’m devastated. None of this makes sense. All I wanted was to fight for my team.»
He added that this opportunity has now been taken away from him, «along with the World Cup.» The dream of representing his country in the USA, Mexico, and Canada is «now over,» he stated.
His absence is a significant setback not only for the Netherlands but also for Tottenham. With four matchdays remaining in the season, Spurs are just two points above the relegation zone.
Simons has so far made 34 international appearances (scoring six goals) and was a key player earmarked for the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11th. The Dutch team, Oranje, is set to face Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia in Group F of the preliminary round.