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Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans was left out of the starting lineup for the World Cup quarter-final against Spain on Friday after suffering an injury during the pre-match warm-up.
Hans Vanaken replaced Tielemans in the starting XI, dealing another blow to the Red Devils.
Tielemans is Belgium’s captain and a key part of the team’s offensive and defensive efforts. The Aston Villa midfielder scored twice in Belgium’s 3-2 win over Senegal in the round of 16.
Vanaken came on as a substitute and scored a goal in Belgium’s 4-1 win over the United States on Monday. He replaces Amadou Onana, who was out of the rest of the World Cup due to torn knee ligaments.
Belgium also played in the World Cup without defender Zeno Debast, who suffered a leg injury and was kept out of action by his club, Sporting Lisbon.
Kevin De Bruyne returned to Belgium’s squad against Spain after being rested in the win over the Americans.
Associated Press reporting.
