The Xavi Simons news no Tottenham fan was expecting

Life has just been that little bit bleaker without Xavi Simons donning Lilywhite.

The Dutchman's debut season in north London was ultimately imperfect, yet there were multiple glimpses of just how bright our future could be with Xavi functioning as the creative heartbeat. Our No. 7 quickly grasped what it meant to wear the shirt, endearing himself to a fanbase that expected so much.

An absence of playmakers has hindered the start of Roberto De Zerbi's first full season in charge, with Xavi unavailable due to the ACL tear he sustained in April, James Maddison struggling for fitness and Dejan Kulusevski still awaiting his return from a complicated patella injury sustained a lifetime ago.

Reports suggest Xavi is making swift progress in his recovery from a long-term setback, and is expected to be back fit in the new year.

In the meantime, the Dutch maestro will be keeping himself busy back at school.

Xavi Simons enrols at esteemed Harvard University during injury recovery

The 23-year-old confirmed over the weekend that he's enrolled in a business course at the esteemed Harvard University.

“During my recovery, I’ve been trying to use my time in the best way possible,” Xavi wrote on LinkedIn. “Football is still my main focus, but I also want to keep learning and improving away from the pitch. I’m happy to share that I’ve been accepted onto the Crossover Into Business Program at Harvard Business School."

The Program describes itself as a “semester-long program in which professional athletes develop their business acumen by working with MBA student mentors.” An array of NBA and NFL athletes have previously enrolled, as well as women's tennis star Victoria Azarenka.

Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga was also briefly a Harvard student, taking a short course in the 'business of entertainment, media and sports' after he was left out of France's World Cup squad.

Simons added: “I’ve always been interested in more than just football. I want to understand the business side of the game better, learn from people in different industries, and keep developing as a person.

“Getting back on the pitch is still my number one priority. At the same time, I want to use this period to keep learning and invest in myself beyond football.”

Xavi has spent time out in the States during his recovery, spending time with the Baltimore Ravens and Boston Celtics as part of his specialised rehabiliation programme. He was back in the United Kingdom at the weekend, though, watching on in the stands at Old Trafford as De Zerbi's 10 men claimed a late point.