Tottenham lineup options after Xavi Simons injury as De Zerbi faces big call

Tottenham’s fight for Premier League survival has taken another major hit after Xavi Simons was ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

The Dutch playmaker had become one of Roberto De Zerbi’s key attacking outlets in recent weeks, contributing both goals and creativity during Spurs’ 2-2 draw against Brighton before suffering the setback.

Now, with only four league matches remaining and Tottenham sitting just two points from safety, De Zerbi must quickly find a solution.

The challenge is obvious.

Spurs have already lost Mohammed Kudus and Cristian Romero to season-ending injuries, and Simons’ absence removes another creative layer from a side already struggling for consistency.

So what now?

Here are three realistic ways Tottenham could reshape their attack.

The most straightforward solution may be the simplest.

Mathys Tel has struggled for regular starts under De Zerbi, but his recent substitute appearances have shown energy and aggression.

That matters now.

His pressing forced the set-piece that led to João Palhinha’s goal against Wolves, and his direct running offers something Spurs have lacked in open play.

De Zerbi already knows him well, having admired him before.

The French forward would not replace Simons creatively, but he would change the attacking dynamic.

That could be enough.

Vicario
Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence
Bissouma, Bentancur
Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel
Richarlison

Lucas Bergvall remains an interesting tactical option.

De Zerbi tried him centrally in his first game in charge, but it did not work.

However, circumstances have changed.

Spurs now need energy and pressing in midfield as much as pure creativity.

Bergvall offers that.

His work without the ball remains one of his strongest qualities, and his turnover that led to Simons’ goal against Brighton showed his value in transitions.

Having followed Tottenham’s midfield balance over recent weeks, Bergvall’s pressing could help stabilise the centre of the pitch even if his creative output remains inconsistent.

However, it remains a risk in a relegation battle.

Vicario
Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence
Bissouma, Bentancur
Kolo Muani, Bergvall, Tel
Richarlison

This is the boldest option.

James Maddison has been back in the squad after recovering from his ACL injury, but Roberto De Zerbi has so far resisted rushing him.

That caution makes sense.

An eight-month lay-off is significant, and reintegrating him into a relegation battle is dangerous.

But Tottenham’s situation may force the issue.

Maddison remains their most natural creator.

If fit enough, he solves the biggest problem left by Simons’ injury.

His ability to drift centrally, link play and unlock low blocks could be decisive in tight games.

The question is fitness, not quality.

Much will depend on training over the next few days.

Vicario
Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence
Bissouma, Bentancur
Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Maddison
Richarlison

Tottenham’s biggest problem is not just replacing Simons.

It is replacing control.

His ability to receive under pressure and create structure in possession made Spurs more stable in attack.

Without him, De Zerbi must decide what matters more: energy, pressing or pure creativity.

Each option solves a different problem.

None solve all of them.

Tottenham face four critical league games that will define their season, and De Zerbi’s team selection could shape their survival chances immediately. Simons’ injury forces tactical changes at the worst possible moment, making squad depth more important than ever.

The next lineup will reveal De Zerbi’s preferred solution.

And it may define Spurs’ season.

Which Tottenham lineup would give De Zerbi the best chance of survival?