{
  "id": 19631209,
  "title": "'Not even my family know how bad' - Xavi Simons opens up on emotional ACL injury recovery as Tottenham star nears early return",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/not-even-my-family-know-how-bad-xavi-simons-opens-up-on-emotional-acl",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-12T09:28:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/not-even-family-know-bad-092808394.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tottenham Hotspur forward Xavi Simons has candidly discussed the psychological toll of his severe knee injury, which has kept him out since April. The 23-year-old Dutchman revealed feeling utterly powerless as he watched his team strive for Premier League survival from his hospital bed. Simons, who sustained an ACL rupture during a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, has accelerated his rehabilitation, aiming to commence phase three of his program in November. He acknowledges that mental health is as crucial as physical recovery, admitting to experiencing distressing emotions and even moments of despair that not even his family are aware of. To maintain focus and mental well-being, Simons has immersed himself in reading and education, finding solace and stimulation in books. As he approaches a possible early return, Simons is pushing his body to the limit, emphasizing the importance of feeling strong and rested. He believes that reaching this point will signify the end of his intense rehabilitation and allow him to fully return to the pitch.",
  "summary": "Tottenham Hotspur attacker Xavi Simons has opened up about the immense psychological strain caused by the serious knee injury that has kept him sidelined since April. The Netherlands international admitted to experiencing dark moments away from the spotlight while his teammates fought through a difficult relegation battle at the end of last season.",
  "key_points": [
    "Xavi Simons discusses emotional impact of ACL injury recovery",
    "23-year-old Dutch forward aims for early return in November",
    "Mental health crucial, Simons reads to maintain focus"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}