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Tottenham Hotspur star Xavi Simons looks set to see his £64million market value plummet following his devastating injury blow. The forward will be sidelined for a significant period under Roberto De Zerbi after sustaining a serious knee injury.

The Netherlands international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during Spurs' 1-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday afternoon. The winger was stretchered off the pitch following the incident, with Tottenham releasing a statement that confirmed supporters' worst fears. The 23-year-old faces around eight months out of action, meaning he will miss out on a place in the Netherlands' World Cup squad this summer.

An additional worry for Spurs is his deteriorating transfer value. CIES Football Observatory currently values him at €65million-€75m (£56.1m-£64.7m).

While Tottenham will be reluctant to part ways with one of their prized assets, they may have little choice should they suffer relegation.

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De Zerbi's side currently occupy 18th place in the Premier League and sit two points adrift of safety. Spurs have just four matches remaining to secure their top-flight survival, with last weekend's victory over already-relegated Wolves their only league win so far this calendar year.

The full financial impact of a drop into the Championship could exceed £200m. Former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy included relegation release clauses in several players' contracts, which will undoubtedly offer some relief to the club's finances. However, Simons' significant injury means Spurs will not be able to sell him this summer, and would restrict the fee they could command for him once he returns to fitness.

The young star completed his move to north London in a deal valued at £51.8m last summer, and the club will be keen to turn a profit on that investment should he be sold.

Taking to Instagram to express his feelings following confirmation of his injury, he said: "They say life can be cruel and today it feels that way. My season has come to an abrupt end and I'm just trying to process it.

"Honestly, I'm heartbroken. None of it makes sense. All I've wanted to do is fight for my team and now the ability to do that has been snatched away from me... along with the World Cup.

"Representing my country this summer...just gone. It'll take time to find peace with this, but I'll continue to be the best teammate I can be. I have no doubt that together we'll win this fight.

"I'll walk this path now, guided by faith, with strength, with resilience, with belief, as I count down the days to getting back out there. Be patient with me. TTP. COYS."

Simons has joined a rapidly growing list of injury casualties at Tottenham. Cristian Romero faces eight weeks on the sidelines with a knee tear, while Wilson Odobert is also set for a lengthy spell out following an ACL injury. Spurs are back in action on Sunday with an away fixture against Champions League-chasing Aston Villa (7pm BST).