Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has described Xavi Simons’ ACL injury as a dramatic setback for the Dutch World Cup campaign, while naming possible replacements as Oranje begin reshaping plans.
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has admitted that Xavi Simons’ serious knee injury has come as a crushing setback to the Dutch national team, with the Oranje now facing the prospect of heading into the World Cup without one of their most creative attacking players.
Simons, still only 23, ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Tottenham Hotspur’s narrow 1-0 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend. The injury is expected to keep him sidelined for several months, effectively ending his season and almost certainly ruling him out of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Both Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons have left Spurs match against Wolves due to injury 😐
As if they needed more struggles to their Premier League survival 💔 pic.twitter.com/0lV6fUTeAc
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 25, 2026
Speaking at an award ceremony on Thursday, Koeman did not hide his disappointment over the news. While he stressed that the biggest tragedy is for the player himself, the Dutch coach also acknowledged just how significant Simons has become to the national setup in recent years thanks to his explosiveness, technical quality and ability to unlock compact defences.
“It is especially dramatic for the player himself,” Koeman said. “The only plus is that he is still young and he will definitely play major tournaments in the future, but that does not change the fact that this injury is dramatic for us as well. He is a player with a lot of talent and potential.”
Koeman added that Simons’ immediate reaction on the pitch suggested the damage could be severe, and the subsequent medical confirmation only deepened those fears.
Attention is now shifting toward possible alternatives in the number 10 role, and Koeman has already mentioned a couple of names under consideration. Bournemouth attacker Justin Kluivert remains an option if he fully recovers from the knee surgery that has kept him out since January, while PSV Eindhoven midfielder Guus Til is also firmly in the frame as a more direct replacement.
Koeman also pointed to the possible return of other important figures as a reason not to panic entirely. Frenkie de Jong, whose own injury issues disrupted the Netherlands plans ahead of the last European Championship, is gradually being reintegrated at Barcelona, and the Dutch boss believes a refreshed de Jong could be a major boost in midfield.
The Netherlands have been drawn in Group F alongside Sweden, Tunisia and Japan, with their World Cup campaign beginning in Dallas on June 14. Koeman knows there is still time to adjust tactically and personnel-wise, but replacing Simons’ unpredictability will not be straightforward.
