Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana suffers suspected ACL injury at World Cup | OneFootball

Aston Villa have suffered a major setback after midfielder Amadou Onana sustained a serious knee injury at the World Cup.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the 24-year-old Belgium international is believed to have torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, leaving him facing an extended spell out.

Onana was forced off early in Belgium’s 4-1 last-16 win over the USA in Seattle. He was later seen on crutches with a knee brace.

Belgium boss Rudi Garcia said: "We have to wait for the medical results but I fear it's a serious injury. I hope I'm wrong, but I think his tournament is over."

Villa had not planned to sign a midfielder this summer, with Boubacar Kamara nearing a return, but Onana’s absence could force a rethink for what may be a large part of the 2026-27 season.

The club’s record £50million signing has made 72 appearances since arriving from Everton, although he has battled persistent minor issues.

Unai Emery had prioritised adding pace out wide and a right-back to compete with Matty Cash. Any replacement will be complicated by a Uefa settlement that means the end-of-window squad cost cannot exceed the start.

Villa will receive some relief via Fifa’s club protection programme, which covers a player’s basic salary up to about £6.4m while unavailable.

Villa’s plans could hinge on Morgan Rogers and Emi Martinez, with Arsenal keen on Rogers and Juventus linked with Martinez. Lamare Bogarde, Evann Guessand and Leon Bailey could go, and Louie Barry nears Sheffield Wednesday.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com