NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans was removed from the starting lineup in the World Cup quarterfinal against Spain on Friday after injuring himself during pre-match warm-ups.
Hans Vanaken replaced Tielemans in the starting lineup, dealing another blow to the Red Devils’ depth.
Tielemans is Belgium’s captain and a key component of the team’s offensive and defensive efforts. The Aston Villa midfielder scored twice in Belgium’s 3-2 comeback win over Senegal in the round of 32.
Vanaken came on as a substitute and scored a goal in Belgium’s 4-1 rout of the United States on Monday. He replaced Amadou Onana, who was ruled out for the rest of the World Cup due to a torn knee ligament.
Belgium has also played the World Cup without defender Zeno Debast, who has a leg injury and will not be able to play for his club, Sporting Lisbon.
Kevin De Bruyne returned to Belgium’s lineup against Spain after sitting out the win over the Americans to rest.
Information from The Associated Press.
