Xavi Simons was forced off the field on a stretcher during Tottenham’s 1-0 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday as things go from bad to worse for the club
Xavi Simons sustained a dreadful knee injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, adding to Tottenham’s mounting woes.
The Dutch player was named in Roberto De Zerbi’s starting line-up for the visit to Molineux, but was forced off after just 63 minutes when he appeared to twist his knee on the pitch. Simons was vying with Hugo Bueno for the ball when his right leg became trapped on the turf, causing him to immediately collapse in agony.
After receiving swift attention from the medical team, the 23-year-old was eventually stretchered off, likely signalling the end of his season and possibly meaning the Dutch star misses the World Cup with the Netherlands.
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Lucas Bergvall was summoned from the bench to replace Simons for the remainder of the game, as a beleaguered Spurs sought to secure all three points from their encounter with an already relegated Wolves team.
Spurs did manage to get the win, as they battle against the drop themselves. The Lilywhites had the chance to jump above West Ham into 17th with victory at Molineux, depending on the corresponding result in East London.
While De Zerbi’s side fulfilled their part of the bargain, with Joao Palhinha netting the winning goal in a 1-0 triumph 82 minutes into the contest, a last-gasp West Ham victory over Everton meant the table remained unchanged.
Tomas Soucek broke the deadlock for the Hammers six minutes into the second period at the London Stadium, before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall threatened to spoil their celebration with just two minutes of regular time remaining.
Callum Wilson’s goal in the 92nd minute guaranteed that West Ham left with a crucial three points, a last minute dagger for Tottenham and much to the dismay of Spurs supporters around the globe.
As a result of the results, Tottenham continue to languish in 18th place in the Premier League table, two points shy of safety, with only four matches remaining.
The club’s next challenge is a daunting visit to Villa Park on Sunday, May 3. Showdowns in May against Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton could potentially determine Spurs’ fate.
This latest injury setback adds to an already lengthy injury list. Guglielmo Vicario is still to return following hernia surgery at the end of last month, while Dejan Kulusevski has yet to feature for his club this season due to a knee problem of his own.
Ben Davies is ruled out for the rest of the campaign after fracturing his ankle against West Ham in January, while Mohammed Kudus is still recuperating from a thigh complaint. Wilson Odobert, Pape Sarr and Destiny Udogie were also absent for the trip to the Midlands this weekend, reports the Mirror.
In another blow for Spurs, earlier this month they lost club captain Cristian Romero to injury when he was forced off the pitch during a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland AFC.
The Argentine defender was trying to protect the ball from Brian Brobbey to enable Antonin Kinsky to make a straightforward gather, when he received a push in the back from the opposing forward.
Consequently, Romero’s knee struck Kinsky’s head, leaving both requiring medical attention on the pitch. While Kinsky managed to continue after having his head bandaged, Romero wasn’t so lucky.
The centre-back was instantly withdrawn, with the severity of his injury becoming apparent soon afterwards; a partial ACL tear. Therefore, Romero will not only be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign with Spurs, but his participation at the World Cup this summer is also in doubt.