Belgium have suffered a major setback ahead of their FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Spain after midfielder Amadou Onana was ruled out with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
The Aston Villa midfielder sustained the injury during Belgium’s 4-1 Round of 16 victory over the United States, forcing him off in the 21st minute.
Although Belgium progressed comfortably to the last eight, concerns over Onana’s condition grew after he was seen leaving the stadium on crutches with a heavy brace on his right knee.
Subsequent medical examinations confirmed the 24-year-old had suffered a torn ACL, an injury expected to keep him out for several months.
Onana’s absence leaves Belgium coach Rudi Garcia with a major selection problem ahead of Friday’s quarter-final against European champions Spain.
The midfielder has been a key figure in Belgium’s World Cup campaign, providing defensive cover, ball recovery and aerial strength in the heart of midfield.
His importance to the squad was underlined by Romelu Lukaku after scoring Belgium’s fourth goal against the United States.
The striker celebrated by holding up Onana’s No. 24 shirt in tribute to his injured teammate.
Garcia must now reshape his midfield as Belgium prepare to face one of the tournament’s most in-form teams without one of their most influential players.
The injury is also a significant blow for Aston Villa ahead of the new season.
Manager Unai Emery is expected to be without the Belgian international for an extended period, disrupting plans to build his midfield around Onana, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans.
The setback could also force the Premier League club to reassess its transfer plans, with Villa now facing the prospect of entering the market for midfield reinforcement while Onana begins what is expected to be a lengthy rehabilitation.