Could Xavi Simons be back in a Tottenham shirt sooner than expected? - Progress update revealed

Xavi Simons is pushing to return as soon as possible for Tottenham Hotspur.

The attacker has been out injured since April after suffering a cruciate ligament tear against Wolves.

He's already missed 11 games for the Lilywhites and hasn't played in over 300 days after sustaining his major setback.

Simons only ever had one big injury problem for RB Leipzig, picking up an ankle injury that left him out for 70 days and 15 matches.

But the 23-year-old is currently going through by far the hardest fitness challenge of his career so far, with the initial expectation for him to be back around February next year.

Roberto De Zerbi and his team are currently struggling, but could Tottenham be given a boost with Simons' return to action sooner than expected?

Positive Xavi Simons injury update revealed

De Zerbi hasn't had many reasons to smile this season, with Tottenham currently sitting bottom of the Premier League over the international break.

However, an update on X from an EFL physio assistant and sports scientist, Leah, reveals that Simons is making "fantastic progress", and that he is expected to make his return on the earlier side of the comeback timeframe.

That said, De Zerbi may have a reason to be positive over the break, knowing that he has a maverick waiting to improve his team, potentially even before Christmas.

As per FotMob data, Simons created 1.74 chances per 90 last season, and made an average of 4.20 line-breaking passes each game.

He completed 1.42 dribbles successfully per 90, while having a 26.9 per cent crossing accuracy.

Simons grabbed seven goals and assists combined in 19 Premier League starts, and offers quality out wide and through central attacking positions.

The Netherlands international still has lots to prove in N17 after a big-money move to Spurs last year, but his potential gives De Zerbi plenty of reason to be optimistic.

Where would Simons play in this Tottenham team?

Simons' return would add a welcome boost of creativity into Tottenham's final third.

But where in attack would he play?

Supporters know he can play off the left and in central attacking midfield, though the arrival of Mateus Fernandes could make things more straightforward.

The ex-West Ham star has been occupying the number 10 role since arriving in N17, and the lack of quality at left wing could allow Simons to slot back in out wide.

This could then allow Omar Marmoush to return to his natural striker position, with Dominic Solanke currently out of form.

But lots can change between now and Christmas time. Either way, Tottenham will welcome Simons back to the team with open arms.