After inheriting Son Heung-min's No. 7, tragedy struck... Knee snapped, anterior cruciate ligament torn — a major disaster. Simons cries out: "Can't even avoid relegation, can't make it to the World Cup."

*This content was translated by AI.

Tottenham's "No. 7," Savi Simons (23), has suffered a setback with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Not only is Tottenham, which is fighting to escape the relegation zone, in crisis, but the Netherlands national team, which is preparing for the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, is also on high alert.

On the 27th (Korean time), Simons took to his social media (SNS) to share the results of his detailed examination, expressing his devastating feelings. He said, "It feels like my heart is being torn apart. I can't believe my season has ended so suddenly." He added, "I can no longer fight for my club, and I've lost the chance to play in the Jo Guk-eul (CEO) World Cup this summer," showing his frustration.

Nevertheless, he vowed to regain his composure and wait for the day he can return to the field, reaffirming his determination for rehabilitation.

Simons' fatal injury occurred during Tottenham's away match against Wolverhampton on the 25th in the 34th round of the 2025–2026 English Premier League (EPL). In the 12th minute of the second half, while competing for the ball with Hugo Bueno, Simons' right knee was severely twisted, causing him to collapse. He complained of excruciating pain and was eventually carried off the field on a stretcher with a pained expression.

At the time, sports medicine expert Jesse Mo Seu (Dr.) predicted, "It could be at least a meniscus tear or a medial collateral ligament sprain; in the worst case, a torn anterior cruciate ligament." His concerns proved to be reality. On the 27th, Britain's "The Guardian" reported, "Simons will be unable to play for at least eight months, possibly up to a year, due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament," officially confirming his long-term absence.

With Simons' departure, Tottenham has been pushed to the brink. Last summer, he joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig for a transfer fee of 60 million euros (approximately 103.5 billion won) and inherited the No. 7 jersey left by Son Heung-min, who moved to LA FC, becoming a key figure in the team's attack.

Tottenham had just escaped a winless slump of 15 matches (6 draws, 9 losses) by defeating Wolverhampton in their previous game. While they barely kept their hopes of staying in the EPL alive, the situation remains precarious. With four league matches remaining, Tottenham sits in 18th place with 34 points (8 wins, 10 draws, 16 losses), two points behind West Ham, who are in 17th place — the final safe spot.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi, already struggling with a crowded injury list, now faces an even more difficult battle to avoid relegation after losing Simons, who was currently in the best form.

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*This content was translated by AI.