Belgium and Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana has been dealt a devastating blow after scans confirmed he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Belgium's World Cup Round of 32 victory over the United States.
The 24-year-old went down clutching his right knee in the 19th minute after trying to get to the ball before Christian Pulisic. He was treated on the pitch before limping off and was later seen on crutches wearing a knee brace.
Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene confirmed the worst fears in a statement released by the Belgian football federation.
"Unfortunately, the medical examinations have confirmed that Amadou has suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament," Hacene said. "This is devastating news, both for him personally and for the team."
"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."
Onana is expected to be sidelined for seven to eight months. An ACL injury typically requires between six and nine months of recovery time.
The injury rules him out of the remainder of the World Cup, where Belgium are preparing for a quarter-final clash against Spain in Los Angeles on Friday. It also means he will miss the start of Aston Villa's Premier League and Champions League campaign.
Despite the injury, Onana will remain with the Belgium squad for their quarter-final against Spain as they push for a semi-final berth.
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