Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons World Cup 2026 bid ends due to ACL injury

Dutch Midfielder Suffers Suspected ACL Injury, Rules Out FIFA World Cup Participation

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Xavi Simons has suffered a serious knee injury that is expected to keep him out of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The 23-year-old was injured during Tottenham’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday and left the pitch on a stretcher in the 63rd minute.

According to early reports, Simons sustained an injury to his right ACL, which has ruled him out of participating in the tournament. In an Instagram post, Simons expressed his disappointment and frustration with the situation, stating that his season had come to an abrupt end.

Simons was expected to be a key player for Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad at the World Cup, having earned 34 caps for the team. The injury is also a significant blow to Tottenham, who are struggling in the Premier League and are currently 18th with 34 points, just two points away from relegation safety.

Other notable players, including Spain’s Lamine Yamal, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, and France’s Hugo Ekitike, are also expected to miss part of the World Cup due to injuries. The injury has left Simons heartbroken, as he had been looking forward to representing his country at the tournament.

Source: Al Jazeera