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Tielemans ruled out in warm-up as Belgium hand Vanaken start against Spain

Youri Tielemans has been forced out of Belgium's World Cup quarter-final starting XI against Spain after picking up an injury in the warm-up, with Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken named as his replacement just 12 minutes before kick-off.

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Tielemans ruled out in warm-up as Belgium hand Vanaken start against Spain
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Belgium captain Youri Tielemans has been ruled out of the starting line-up for their World Cup quarter-final against Spain after sustaining an injury during the pre-match warm-up, with Hans Vanaken stepping in as his replacement just 12 minutes before kick-off.

Tielemans had been set to partner Nicolas Raskin in central midfield, but Belgium confirmed the change on social media, stating: “Following an injury during the warm-up, Youri Tielemans is replaced in the starting XI by Hans Vanaken.”

Vanaken, who plays his club football for Club Brugge, now faces the considerable task of filling in for his country’s captain at the quarter-final stage of the tournament. The nature and severity of Tielemans’ injury has not yet been disclosed.

More details are expected to follow as the match gets underway.

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