How Badly Will Xavi Simons Injury Hurt Tottenham Hotspur?
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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 25: Xavi Simons of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux on April 25, 2026 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesTottenham Hotspur desperately needed a win against Wolves and Roberto De Zerbi’s team got that even if the 1-0 victory was tighter than anyone from North London would have liked. With so many relegation rivals also winning, it was crucial Spurs put three points on the board to boost their chances of staying in the Premier League.
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The win, however, came at a cost as Xavi Simons came off with what appeared to be a knee injury. The Dutch playmaker has been one of Tottenham’s brightest players under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, providing a certain creativity on the ball that nobody else in the squad is capable of doing.
James Maddison was back in the squad for the win over Wolves, but hasn’t played all season to this point. It is surely unrealistic to expect the England international to hit the ground running and perform the same role Simons was before his injury. Maddison will need time to find full match fitness again.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 25: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, reacts prior to the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux on April 25, 2026 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesWhile Saturday’s win over Wolves was clearly a positive outcome for Spurs, wins for Nottingham Forest and West Ham means the North London side is no closer to moving out of the relegation zone. De Zerbi’s team is still fighting for its place in the Premier League for next season. Nothing is guaranteed.
“If you watch the game from the stand or TV, you can’t understand if they have the right spirit or if they have the right attitude,” said De Zerbi. “I work with them every day and all players are professional, good guys, and they are suffering for this situation. (I) just (need) to give them confidence and order on the pitch, because I didn’t like the second half at all. We could play better, we have to play better, much better than the second half. We have to play like the first 30 minutes. Maybe creating more chances to score and more shots on goal.”
De Zerbi is known for his front foot approach, but that will only count for so much if the former Brighton and Marseille manager lacks the personnel to make his system work. Simons was one of the most important figures in the team and now Tottenham must find a way to compensate for his absence.
Dominic Solanke was another Spurs player who went off in the win over Wolves, although his injury is thought to be less serious. Injuries have been a problem for Tottenham all season and it might now be hindering any hopes of finishing outside of the relegation zone and staying up.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com