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Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans was pulled from the starting line-up in the World Cup quarter-final against Spain on Friday after being injured during the pre-match warm-ups.
Hans Vanaken replaced Tielemans in the starting lineup in another blow to the Red Devils’ depth.
Tielemans is Belgium’s captain and a key component of the team’s attacking and defensive efforts. The Aston Villa midfielder scored twice in Belgium’s 3-2 comeback win over Senegal in the round of 16.
Vanaken came on as a substitute and scored a goal in Belgium’s 4-1 thrashing of the USA on Monday. He replaced Amadou Onana, who is ruled out for the rest of the World Cup with a torn knee ligament.
Belgium have also played the World Cup without defender Zeno Debast, who has a leg injury and has been ruled out by his club, Sporting Lisbon.
Kevin De Bruyne returned to Belgium’s lineup against Spain after sitting out the win over the Americans to rest.
Report from the Associated Press.
