Xavi Simons
TOTNetherlands
Right
Apr 21, 2003
23
5'10"
128 lb
LW
AM
Half-Space Orchestrator
SpursUndergoes successful surgery
Simons (knee) has started a lengthy recovery after receiving surgery to repair the ruptured ACL in his right knee, Tottenham announced Tuesday.
Analysis: Simons is out for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign and the subsequent World Cup, and is likely to miss a few months of the next season as well. He finished his first year as a Spurs player with five goals and six assists from 62 shots and 51 chances created over 39 appearances (26 starts) across league, FA Cup and European competitions. Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel are expected to gain playing time in his absence. Additionally, Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders will carry increased offensive responsibilities for the Dutch national team.
ACL injury confirmed
Simons was confirmed with a ruptured ACL in his right knee after sustaining the injury during Saturday's Premier League fixture at Wolves, with surgery scheduled in the coming weeks, according to the club.
Analysis: Simons ends what had been a decent debut season at Spurs with five goals and six assists across 39 appearances including domestic and European action, making this a devastating blow for both player and club. The Dutch international had already confirmed on Instagram that the injury would rule him out for the remainder of the season and the World Cup, and the official club statement confirms the worst with an ACL diagnosis that typically requires at least nine months of recovery. Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel are expected to absorb his role at club level, while the Netherlands will need to look elsewhere to fill his creative void this summer with Tijjani Reijnders and Cody Gakpo among those in line for expanded roles.
Out until after World Cup
Simons (knee) has sustained a serious injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the 2025/26 season and the upcoming World Cup, according to his Instagram.
Analysis: Simons is reportedly dealing with an ACL injury, in which case he'll need at least seven months to complete his recovery, forcing him to miss even part of the 2026/27 campaign. This issue is a tough blow for both Tottenham and the Dutch national team, with his place taken by either Lucas Bergvall or Mathys Tel at the club level, while Tijjani Reijnders and Cody Gakpo gain increased roles in the international competition. Simons finished with five goals and six assists across 39 appearances (26 starts) including domestic and European action for the Spurs this season.
Knee injury awaits further testing
Simons (knee) was forced off in the 62nd minute against Wolves after appearing to catch his foot in the turf during a collision with Hugo Bueno, with further tests required to determine the severity of the injury, but he appeared to be feeling better after the match, according to coach Roberto De Zerbi, per Jak Netting from VAVEL. "It is a knee problem. I spoke to him two minutes ago and he feels better than he did initially."
Analysis: Simons went down holding his knee and was unable to continue, leaving his availability for upcoming fixtures uncertain until the test results provide a clearer picture. No timeline has been established at this stage, with the full extent of the damage yet to be confirmed. Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel are expected to be among the options to see increased minutes should Simons be ruled out for an extended period.
Goal and assist Saturday
Simons scored one goal and assisted once from four shots and two chances created in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Brighton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 78th minute.
Analysis: Simons was involved both of his side's goals Saturday as he assisted Pedro Porro's opener in the 39th minute, then scored himself in the 77th minute to take the late 2-1 lead. He took four shots and created two chances across his 90 minutes, one of his best performances since joining Spurs. It was a very promising performance from him, and Spurs will need more of that production in order to escape relegation.
Scores brace Wednesday
Simons scored two goals to go with four shots (two on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 3-2 victory against Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Simons scored an excellent outside-the-box strike in the 52nd minute Wednesday, a goal that cut the aggregate deficit to two goals and gave Spurs some hope. After Atletico scored in the 75th minute and wrapped up the tie, Simons scored a consolation penalty in the 90th minute to give himself his first brace in a Spurs shirt. He had a very productive match outside the two goals too as he created a season-high five chances in one of Spurs' best attacking performances of the entire season. His UCL campaign has come to an end with him making 10 appearances (six starts) and scoring three goals and providing one assist.
Three shots Sunday
Simons registered three shots (one on goal) and one corner in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Liverpool.
Analysis: Simons took three shots and a single corner during Sunday's clash, and only put one of his shots on goal. It wasn't a poor showing, but he didn't have much room to work against a stout Liverpool side. It's been a very difficult season for Simons and co. as they fight a shock relegation scrap. Points in the coming weeks could be tremendously important for Spurs as they look to avoid a shock drop.
Quiet in Sunday's loss
Simons had one shot (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 4-1 defeat versus Arsenal.
Analysis: Simons was kept at bay in Sunday's North London Derby, logging one shot and one chance created across his 90 minutes of action. The whole attack was shut down by Arsenal's impressive defense, but it was still a disappointing day individually for Simons. He'll look to bounce back Sunday at Fulham.
Two shots Saturday
Simons generated two shots (zero on goal), three crosses (two accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 loss against Manchester United.
Analysis: Simons was Spurs' most effective attack Saturday, but that is not saying much. He recorded two accurate crosses and created one chance, but he did not have many opportunities thanks to Cristian Romero's early red card. He's been playing very well as of late and will need to continue to do so with Spurs in rough form in the Premier League.
Excellent in Sunday's draw
Simons assisted once to go with five shots (two on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Manchester City. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 38th minute.
Analysis: Simons put together another excellent attacking performance Sunday, highlighted by his assist on Dominic Solanke's goal in the 53rd minute. He created a season-high four chances on the attack and has now created at least three chances in five of his last six appearances (all competitions). He also took a season-high five shots and recorded five crosses on the attack. With Spurs currently dealing with a host of injuries, Simons will need to continue to step up and lead this attack.
Productive in Wednesday's win
Simons had two shots (one on goal), six crosses (three accurate) and five corners in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Analysis: Simons had a very productive match Wednesday which is not too surprising given his previous success in the Bundesliga. He recorded a secondary assist as his cross in the 47th minute found Cristian Romero open in the box, who used a header to set up Randal Kolo Muani's opening goal. Simons also created three chances and recorded a season-high three accurate crosses in what was one of his best performances in a Spurs shirt so far.
Playing through pain
Simons contributed five shots (one on target), three tackles and one chance created in Tuesday's 2-0 victory against Dortmund in the Champions League while playing through pain due to a foot bruise, he shared on Instagram.
Analysis: Simons was decent in Tuesday's victory against Dortmund, contributing a season high five shots and remaining a constant threat in the frontline for the Spurs despite playing through pain due to a foot bruise. The playmaker already missed some training recently due to a swollen ankle, but those minor issues aren't affecting his playing time since he has logged 90 minutes in each of his last four appearances with Tottenham.
Doesn't train, still playing
Simons didn't train ahead of Tuesday's match against Dortmund but is still an option, according to manager Thomas Frank. One of them is Xavi, the guy who was out there and didn't train today because it was a bad tackle from Bowen - not that Bowen is a bad guy, wouldn't do anything intentional - a bad tackle from behind that injured his ankle, he has a swollen ankle, but because he's so strong mentally, he will play through pain tomorrow. So that's big credit, of course, to Xavi.
Analysis: Simons suffered an injury in the club's most recent match that has led to a swollen ankle and his absence from training Monday. However, the attacker will still be an option, set to play as the club takes the field with a limited squad due to injury. He will likely be tasked to start despite the injury, although they may limit him to be cautious.
Productive in Saturday's loss
Simons recorded four shots (one on goal) and one corner in Saturday's 2-1 defeat versus West Ham United.
Analysis: Simons was very active on the attack in Saturday's loss as he tied a season high with four shots and set a season high with three chances created. Those contributions did not result in a goal, an assist or a win, but it was still a promising performance for the midfielder who's had a disappointing debut campaign in North London.
Assists opener Wednesday
Simons assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-2 defeat to AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Simons returned from his three-match ban Wednesday and immediately made an impact. He set up Mathys Tel's goal in the 5th minute to open up the scoring, his third assist in the Premier League this season. He did not do much else in the match, but it was enough to give him a productive outing despite the loss.
Ends suspension
Simons is no longer banned and is an option for the club moving forward.
Analysis: Simons is back from his ban after three games out, having been shown a red card following a VAR review last time out. The attacker gives them a boost just after the sale of Brennan Johnson and following Mohammad Kudus' injury Sunday, potentially starting immediately after his ban. He has started in nine of his 14 appearances this season while recording one goal and two assists.
Sent off after VAR review
Simons was shown a red card in the 33rd minute of Saturday's match against Liverpool.
Analysis: Simons was initially shown a yellow card Saturday, but following a VAR review, the attacker was shown a straight red card for clipping the ankle of Virgil van Dijk. This will leave him suspended for three games due to violent conduct, set to miss out against Crystal Palace and Brentford and Sunderland, returning to play against Bournemouth on Jan. 7. The club will have to do without a starter until the new year, with Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson as potential replacements.
Converts penalty Tuesday
Simons scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) in Tuesday's 3-0 win versus Slavia Prague.
Analysis: Simons, who was coming off a two-goal contribution performance versus Brentford on Saturday, found the back of the net again Tuesday. He converted a penalty in the 79th minute, marking his first UCL goal with Spurs and just his third in 19 career UCL appearances. He finished the match with a season-high three shots, but the penalty was the only one he put on target. He completed the full 90 minutes for just the second time this season in any competition, and both have come in the past four days.
Goal and assist Saturday
Simons scored one goal and assisted once from four shots and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Brentford.
Analysis: Simons finally found his groove Saturday as he made his first start in any competition since Nov. 8. He assisted Richarlison's opener in the 25th minute, then doubled Spurs' lead with a goal of his own in the 43rd minute. It marked his first goal for Spurs since joining the club in August and it marked his first two goal contributions in the Premier League since his Spurs debut back on Sept. 13. He will look to build off this performance Sunday at Nottingham Forest.
Assists in Tuesday's win
Simons assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and four chances created in Tuesday's 4-0 win against FC Copenhagen.
Analysis: Simons delivered an excellent lofted pass to Brennan Johnson in the 19th minute, leading to Johnson scoring the opener in Tuesday's win. It marked his first assist in the Champions League this season and just his second goal contribution in all competitions. He created a season-high four chances in the win, giving him perhaps his best performance so far with Spurs. He also recorded one accurate cross and won one tackle before he was subbed off in the 61st minute for Joao Palhinha.
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