Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament during his side’s 4-1 World Cup round-of-16 win over the United States on Monday, according to The Athletic.

The 24-year-old was forced off in the 21st minute and was later seen on crutches with a brace around his right knee. Romelu Lukaku paid tribute to his teammate after scoring Belgium’s fourth goal in second-half stoppage time, celebrating by holding up Onana’s No. 24 shirt.

The injury rules Onana out of Belgium’s World Cup quarterfinal against Spain on Friday and is also a major setback for Aston Villa.

Villa manager Unai Emery had planned to build his midfield around Onana, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans. The club had not been looking to strengthen in that area but is now expected to reassess its plans.

Onana joined Villa from Everton in 2024 and has made 72 appearances for the club. He featured 38 times in all competitions last season as Villa won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League.

Published on Jul 07, 2026