Belgium’s Onana ruled out for rest of World Cup with ACL injury

Amadou Onana (left) of Belgium and Christian Pulisic of the United States in action during the Round of 16 match against Belgium, in Seattle. (EPA Images pic)

BRUSSELS: Belgium’s Amadou Onana will miss the remainder of the World Cup after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during his country’s last-16 win over co-hosts the United States, the Belgian Football Federation announced on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old Aston Villa midfielder was forced off early in Belgium’s 4-1 victory over the US in Seattle on Monday.

“Unfortunately, the medical examinations have confirmed that Amadou has suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. This is devastating news, both for him personally and for the team,” Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene said in a statement.

“We immediately consulted with Amadou and with Aston Villa to agree on the best approach to his recovery. Over the coming days, we will jointly determine the next steps in his medical treatment and rehabilitation.”

However, the statement added that Onana would remain in North America with his teammates until at least the quarter-finals.

Belgium are due to face Spain in the last eight on Friday in Los Angeles.