Belgium receives devastating Amadou Onana injury news ahead of World Cup quarterfinals

Amadou Onana is expected to face an extended period away from action after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear during Belgium's 4-1 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 win against the U.S. Men's National Team.

Monday evening witnessed the USMNT's World Cup journey concluded by Belgium, who dominated Mauricio Pochettino's team in Seattle. A double from Charles De Ketelaere, along with second-half strikes from Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku, propelled Belgium past the USMNT 4-1.

After the loss, Pochettino has declined to comment on his future with the USMNT, with his deal scheduled to conclude at the end of the competition. Meanwhile, Belgium is now gearing up to meet Spain, which overcame Portugal 1-0 in its Round of 16 encounter.

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However, they will proceed without Onana, as per The Mirror US.

During Belgium's victory, the 24-year-old was substituted due to injury in just the 21st minute. After Lukaku netted to make it 4-1 in stoppage time, the striker celebrated by displaying Onana's number 24 jersey, indicating he and his colleagues already understood the seriousness of the injury.

He was subsequently spotted on crutches with a brace secured around his right knee, with it now having been verified that Onana ruptured his ACL against the USMNT. Onana appeared to be in reasonable spirits considering the injury, grinning alongside his teammates following the Round of 16 victory.

The absence of the Aston Villa midfielder represents a setback for Belgium, with Onana having featured in all but one of its World Cup matches so far this tournament.

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Following the victory over the USMNT, Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia confirmed that Onana would be unavailable for the clash against Spain, revealing his concerns that the midfielder had suffered "a serious injury.

"I'm afraid Amadou will miss the next game in the tournament. I hope not, but I have a feeling he won't be playing," said Garcia. "We fear it's a serious injury. This isn't good news for him or for us as a team."

The news also represents a significant setback for Villa, who will now be compelled to enter the transfer market to source cover for Onana, who had been anticipated to play a pivotal role in the upcoming season alongside fellow countryman Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara, who himself suffered a severe knee injury back in January.

The Belgian featured in a total of 38 matches for Unai Emery's team last season, 25 of which were in the Premier League. He also played a prominent role during Villa's run to the UEFA Europa League title last season, making 12 appearances.

The World Cup Round of 16 stage resumes on Tuesday, with the games between Argentina and Egypt, and Switzerland and Colombia rounding out the round ahead of the quarterfinals.