At a glance:
- Xavi Simons suffers ACL injury
- Dutchman to miss rest of the season
- De Zerbi claims Tottenham have solutions
Tottenham’s injury list claimed another victim against Wolves as Xavi Simons limped off with a knee injury.
The Dutchman went down off the ball and tried to shake off his injury but had to be stretchered off.
After the game, De Zerbi allayed fears of a long-term injury for Simons. However, it has now been confirmed that he has suffered an ACL injury and will be out for the long haul.
This is a massive blow for Tottenham as the youngster was just starting to come into his own.
However, De Zerbi has already revealed how his team will cope without their creative spark.
De Zerbi says Tottenham need to get creative
Simons notched up a goal and an assist vs Brighton and topped it off with another lively performance at Molineux before going down.
Read More: Tottenham medical staff’s incompetence highlighted after Xavi Simons injury
With Dejan Kulusevski out and James Maddison not fully fit, Tottenham are struggling for creativity.
However, De Zerbi feels Tottenham have other solutions, with the likes of Mathys Tel, Lucas Bergvall and Souza expected to step up.
“We can play with Mathys Tel on the left,” said De Zerbi via Football London when asked how Tottenham will cope without Simons.
“Kolo Muani on the right. Souza on the right. Bergvall on the left. We have to create. I don’t want to change too much (like) three defenders or four defenders, I don’t want to put more confusion on the players, especially this season because they changed a lot of tactical disposition.
“I want to be clear and simple but for your question, we need to stay strong in the head and positive in ourselves.”
After his injury blow was confirmed, Simons released a heartfelt statement as he urged the Tottenham faithful to remain patient with him.
Mathys Tel is the one
Simons started on the left wing for Tottenham and his absence will undoubtedly be felt.
Read More: Detailed: How injuries have completely demolished Tottenham’s attack this season
However, De Zerbi must use this as an opportunity to unleash Mathys Tel. The Frenchman has always been used as a super-sub and has delivered more often than not.
Moreover, he is the only Tottenham attacker not to have suffered an injury this season.
With Dominic Solanke also out with a hamstring injury, the Italian is running out of options in attack.
They have just four games to save themselves and will need Tel to step up and deliver. And to be fair to him, his recent performances are proof that he is more than ready for the fight. Time to grab the opportunity, Mathys!
