Belgium’s Onana exits World Cup with serious knee injury

Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana is expected to face an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament during Belgium’s 4-1 World Cup last-16 victory over the United States on Monday, July 6.

The 24-year-old was forced off in the 21st minute and was later seen on crutches with a brace on his right knee, indicating a serious injury, according to The Athletic.

Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku paid tribute to his teammate after scoring the fourth goal in second-half stoppage time, holding up Onana’s number 24 shirt during the celebration.

The injury is a significant setback for Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, who had been planning to build his midfield around a trio of Onana, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans.

Villa had not been actively seeking reinforcements in midfield, but Onana’s injury is expected to prompt a reassessment of their transfer plans.

The situation is further complicated by Kamara’s ongoing recovery from a knee injury. The midfielder has not played since January 10, when he sustained a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee during the early stages of Villa’s FA Cup third-round win against Tottenham Hotspur. Reports in June indicated he was targeting a return in time for the start of pre-season.

Onana joined Villa from Everton in the summer of 2024 and has made 72 appearances for the club. He featured 38 times across all competitions last season, helping Villa secure the Europa League title and qualification for the Champions League.

Belgium’s win over the United States saw them advance to the World Cup quarter-finals, where they are set to face Spain on Friday, July 10.

By Tamilla Hasanova