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Tottenham fans have been quick to send encouraging messages to Xavi Simons, urging him to stay focused and keep working hard as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury.
Last season saw Tottenham Hotspur lose a few of their key players to ACL injuries, including Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert.
Both have been sidelined for months, but their returns are not far away as rehabilitation continues. Odobert is expected back later this year, while Simons has a return pencilled in for early next year – provided there are no setbacks.
Encouragingly, there is still a chance that Simons could return sooner than first anticipated.
Earlier this month, Spurs insider Paul O’Keefe revealed there was a chance of an early return for Simons, who has since confirmed he has begun outdoor training.
However, reports from the Netherlands poured cold water on that optimism, with journalist Valentijn Driessen claiming last week that the midfielder will not return until February 2027.
Despite that, Simons’ latest update – showing him training outdoors and moving sharply while doing passing and dribbling drills – has left fans feeling optimistic.
XAVI SIMONS: The Spurs star recovering from long term ACL injury #COYS #THFC https://t.co/PQqtSEpnlS
— Chris Cowlin (@ChrisCowlin) October 18, 2026
Supporters took to social media to share their excitement and encourage the Dutchman to keep working hard. They said:
— Xavi Simons (@xavisimons) October 18, 2026
Simons’ recovery is impressive given he picked up his injury in April. Just six months on, he is already doing outdoor work, when ACL injuries typically keep players out for nine to twelve months.
| Injured player | Injury | Potential Return |
| Wilson Odobert | Knee | November 2026 |
| Xavi Simons | Knee | 2027 |
| Mykhailo Mudryk | Ankle | November 2026 |
| Dejan Kulusevski | Fitness | 19th October |
| Pedro Porro | Hamstring | October 2026 |
| Savio | Muscular | Unknown |
| Lucas Bergvall | Knee | October 31st |
Spurs could certainly do with him back in the squad. The Dutchman was finally finding rhythm before his injury against Wolves. His inclusion in Tottenham’s 25-man Premier League squad suggests the club believe he will feature this season.
Meanwhile, fans have another reason to be excited. Dejan Kulusevski is set for matchday involvement after more than 500 days on the sidelines.
Roberto De Zerbi confirmed his return ahead of the Coventry clash, saying: “Yes [he will be on the bench], the medical staff have given the ok. It’s probably the greatest news since the Everton game. He has suffered too much. I told him yesterday, and he had a big smile on his face.”