​Rewritten: INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans was scratched Friday from the starting lineup for the World Cup quarterfinal against Spain after picking up an injury during pregame warmups. Hans Vanaken stepped into the starting XI in a further setback for the Red Devils’ depth. Tielemans, who serves as Belgium’s captain, is a central figure for the team on both offense and defense. The Aston Villa midfielder had sparked Belgium’s comeback in the round of 16 with two goals in the 3-2 victory over Senegal.
Vanaken, who later entered as a substitute, found the back of the net in Belgium’s 4-1 thrashing of the United States on Monday. He was brought on to replace Amadou Onana, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a torn knee ligament.
Belgium is also contending with the absence of defender Zeno Debast, sidelined by a leg injury and left out of action by his club, Sporting Lisbon. Kevin De Bruyne returned to Belgium’s starting lineup against Spain after sitting out the win over the Americans to rest.