Xavi Simons is not expected to return to competitive football until early 2027, with February identified in recent reporting as a possible comeback window. The Tottenham midfielder remains in rehabilitation after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the 1-0 Premier League victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25. No definitive return date has been announced by the club.

The 23-year-old underwent surgery on May 5, ending his involvement in the remainder of Tottenham’s season and ruling him out of the World Cup. He returned to Hotspur Way in July to continue his recovery programme, initially concentrating on rebuilding strength before progressing towards running. More recent reports describe rehabilitation work in the United States.

A recent social-media post prompted speculation about an earlier comeback, but De Telegraaf journalist Valentijn Driessen cautioned against that interpretation. “He won’t really return until February,” he said on a podcast. That is a reported estimate rather than confirmation that Simons will be medically cleared or selected for a match at a particular point in the month.

For Tottenham, the distinction between encouraging rehabilitation progress and competitive readiness is important. Simons has not played this season, and injury updates continue to place his likely return after the turn of the year. Claims that the club has announced a detailed reintegration schedule, including specific training stages or limited match minutes, go beyond the information currently reported.

The Netherlands’ long-term interest should likewise not be confused with a call-up. Recent reporting says new national-team coach Xavi considers Simons part of his plans, but it does not announce his selection for an upcoming international squad. His immediate priority remains recovering sufficiently to resume club football.

Simons has also used the layoff to pursue an interest outside the game, enrolling in Harvard Business School’s Crossover Into Business programme. Announcing the decision, he stressed that “getting back on the pitch is still my number one priority,” while explaining his wish to develop a better understanding of business. The course complements his time away from matches; it does not signal a change in his football ambitions.

The most grounded outlook is therefore an early-2027 return, potentially around February, subject to the progress of his recovery. Neither an imminent Tottenham comeback nor a Netherlands recall has been confirmed.