Belgium lose captain Tielemans to warmup injury before World Cup quarter-final against Spain

Youri Tielemans was scratched from Belgium’s starting lineup minutes before their FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Spain on Friday after sustaining an injury during pregame warmups, dealing the Red Devils a significant blow ahead of one of the tournament’s most anticipated last-eight ties.

Hans Vanaken replaced Tielemans in the XI, continuing a difficult run of injury absences for Belgium. The loss of their captain is particularly damaging: Tielemans had been central to Belgium’s campaign both in and out of possession, and scored twice in their 3-2 comeback victory over Senegal in the round of 32.

Vanaken is no stranger to stepping up in this tournament, however. The midfielder came off the bench and scored in Belgium’s 4-1 win over the United States earlier in the week, replacing Amadou Onana, who has since been ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup with a torn knee ligament.

Belgium have also been without defender Zeno Debast throughout the tournament. The Sporting Lisbon centre-back has been sidelined by a leg injury, with his club keeping him out of action.

There was at least one positive for Belgium heading into the quarter-final: Kevin De Bruyne returned to the starting lineup after sitting out the win over the United States as a precautionary rest.

The accumulation of absences leaves Belgium’s squad stretched thin at the business end of the competition, with Vanaken now tasked with filling the void left by his captain against a formidable Spanish side.