New worry for Koeman: Xavi Simons stretchered off with apparent knee injury

In a challenge against Wolves defender Hugo Bueno, Dutch player Xavi Simons suddenly dropped to the turf, holding his knee tightly while crying out in severe pain. Tottenham's medical team allowed him to continue playing following a quick assessment, yet he ended up being removed from the field on a stretcher soon afterwards.

Although an exact medical verdict remains pending, medical experts suspect that Simons may have suffered damage to his anterior cruciate ligament, an issue that potentially keeps him sidelined for nearly 12 months.

Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi offered an encouraging report on Simons' condition after his team secured a narrow 1-0 victory: "I spoke with the doctor, but they dont know (the extent). They have to see the player on Monday and Tuesday," the Italian remarked regarding Simons and Solanke, the latter also substituted due to an issue but able to leave the pitch unaided.

"We will see in the next few days. He (Simons) felt pain, but I spoke with him, and he feels better than when he got his injury," De Zerbi added.

New injury worry for Oranje

The possible injury to Xavi Simons might create additional challenges for Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, especially with the FIFA World Cup only 47 days from now. Koeman already faces several key absences lately, including Frenkie de Jong, Emmanuel Emegha, Matthijs de Ligt, Mark Flekken, and Jeremie Frimpong, who all skipped the recent March internationals and could miss further sessions.

PSV skipper and Netherlands midfielder Jerdy Schouten remains unavailable for the tournament after rupturing his ACL at the start of April.