Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte tears cruciate ligaments in match against Spain

Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, an injury sustained during Friday's World Cup match against Spain in Guadalajara. The game, which Uruguay lost 0-1, also marked their elimination from the tournament.

Ugarte, a player for Manchester United, was substituted in the first half of the decisive Group H match. The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) confirmed the severity of the injury on Sunday, stating it was the worst-case scenario anticipated for the 25-year-old midfielder. The AUF is collaborating with Manchester United to assess the best course of action for Ugarte's treatment and recovery.

The injury occurred late in the first half, and Ugarte had to be stretchered off the field. He had been a regular starter for Uruguay in the tournament, playing significant minutes in their previous matches against Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde. His absence is a significant blow to the team, especially given their early exit from the World Cup.

Uruguay's performance in the tournament was disappointing, accumulating only two points out of a possible nine, leading to their elimination and making them one of the tournament's biggest surprises. In addition to Ugarte, Spain's Yeremy Pino and Nico Williams also suffered injuries during the match. Pino was diagnosed with an acromioclavicular sprain, while Williams sustained a muscle injury in his right adductor.