Xavi Simons is nearing a return to the pitch for Tottenham Hotspur, with the midfielder expected to rejoin first-team training as early as December.
This timeline represents a significant acceleration in his recovery, as initial medical projections had penciled in a comeback for early 2027, according to reports from VoetbalPrimeur.
The 23-year-old has been sidelined since April 25, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during a Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The injury not only forced him to miss the remainder of the season but also ruled him out of the World Cup in North America, a tournament where the 34-time Dutch international felt he could have made a substantial impact.
Reflecting on the psychological toll of his rehabilitation, Simons described the isolation of his recovery during a recent appearance at the Oxford Union.
“I had to watch the rest of the season from my hospital bed and believe me, that was not easy,” Simons told students on October 30, in a speech later published by the news agency PA and cited by Voetbal International.
“I felt totally powerless, furious because I could not contribute and help. I have had terrible moments at night, even my family doesn’t know how bad. I have cried.”
To manage his frustration, Simons turned to intellectual pursuits alongside his daily physical therapy sessions. He emphasized that stimulating his mind was as vital to his progress as his time in the gym. “I read books, I deepened my knowledge on certain subjects, I wanted more information, I wanted to stimulate my mind,” Simons told the audience.
“I wanted peace in my head. That was just as important as going to the gym every day. “My knee has to feel good. I have to feel strong. At the moment I am on schedule, I am getting stronger every day,” Simons said. “I want to come home and just think: ‘I can’t move my legs anymore,’ because I pushed myself to the limit every day.”
Tottenham, who signed Simons in the summer of 2025 for approximately 65 million euros, struggled during his absence, narrowly avoiding relegation last season. The club currently sits in eleventh place following a recent 1-0 defeat to Leeds United.
The Premier League season is set to resume on November 21 with a home match against Ipswich Town. While Simons is not yet match-fit, his transition to group training in December will mark a major milestone for the club, which holds his contract through 2030 with an option for an additional two years.
XAVI SIMONS IS STEPPING UP THE RECOVERY! 🏃♂️🌞 pic.twitter.com/NoseUiO1bv
Simons tore his anterior cruciate ligament on April 25, 2026, during a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
While he is expected to resume training with the first team in December, he is not yet considered match-fit. His progress is being managed carefully to ensure his knee remains strong and responsive to the demands of professional football.
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