“Going to take a while” – Tottenham player’s return not close, February likelier

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Xavi Simons is reportedly not close to returning from injury, with a comeback in February 2027 considered much more likely. De Telegraaf journalist Valentijn Driessen dismissed speculation that Simons is nearing fitness after the 23-year-old posted social media images wearing football boots. The Netherlands international suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury during Spurs' 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in April 2026, which ultimately ruled him out of the summer World Cup.

Simons has also enrolled in Harvard Business School's Crossover Into Business Program during his rehabilitation. Driessen strongly criticized the academic move, calling the 16-week course unsubstantial and labeling the player a marketing poster child for the university.