Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana will face a lengthy spell on the sidelines on Monday after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament during his side’s 4-1 World Cup Round of 16 victory over the United States, according to The Athletic.
The 24-year-old was forced off in the 21st minute and was later seen on crutches with a brace on his right knee. Romelu Lukaku paid tribute to his teammate after scoring Belgium’s fourth goal in second-half stoppage time. He celebrated by holding up Onana’s number 24 shirt.
The injury rules Onana out of Friday’s quarter-final of the Belgian World Cup against Spain and is also a major setback for Aston Villa.
Villa manager Unai Emery planned to build his midfield around Onana, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans. The club was not looking to strengthen in that area but is now expected to reassess its plans.
Onana joined Villa from Everton in 2024 and made 72 appearances for the club. Last season he made 38 appearances in all competitions as Villa won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League.
Published on July 7, 2026
