Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee while representing Belgium at the World Cup. The injury occurred on July 7, 2026, during a last-16 match against the United States, which Belgium won 4-1. Onana was substituted just 21 minutes into the game after he fell while attempting to intercept a pass.
After the incident, Onana was treated on the field before limping off and was later seen using crutches and wearing a knee brace. Belgium's team doctor, Brahim Hacene, described the news as “devastating.” He stated, “Unfortunately, the medical examinations have confirmed that Amadou has suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. We immediately consulted with Amadou and with Aston Villa to agree on the best approach to his recovery.”
Impact of Onana's Injury on Belgium's World Cup Campaign
The Belgian team has confirmed that Onana will remain with the squad as they prepare for their quarter-final match against Spain in Los Angeles, set for Friday at 20:00 BST. Despite the injury, the team aims to support Onana while he undergoes necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Partial tears or ruptures of the ACL typically result in players being sidelined for a period of six to nine months. This timeline could significantly affect Onana's availability for both international and club competitions.
Onana's Performance Leading to the Injury
Before this unfortunate incident, Onana had a notable World Cup campaign, starting in Belgium's opening match, a 1-1 draw against Egypt. He also made appearances as a substitute in victories over New Zealand and Senegal. His performance has been crucial for the team, and his absence will be felt as Belgium progresses in the tournament.
Onana joined Aston Villa in July 2024 for £50 million and had a productive season with 38 appearances, scoring two goals. His contributions were instrumental in Villa finishing fourth in the Premier League and winning the Europa League in the 2025-26 season.
What is an ACL Injury?
An ACL injury is a serious condition that can severely impact an athlete's career. The anterior cruciate ligament is a key stabilizer of the knee, and its rupture can lead to long recovery times. Players often undergo surgery followed by extensive rehabilitation to regain their strength and mobility.
Aston Villa will work closely with Onana to ensure he receives the best possible care during his recovery process. The club is committed to supporting him throughout this challenging time.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Football. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
