Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte ruptures knee ligaments in Spain match

Manuel Ugarte, a key midfielder for Uruguay and a player for Manchester United, has torn the ligaments in his left knee. The injury occurred during Friday's World Cup match against Spain in Guadalajara, a game that ultimately led to Uruguay's elimination from the tournament.

Ugarte, a regular starter for the national team, had to be substituted in the first half of the crucial 0-1 defeat. The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) confirmed the severity of the injury on Sunday, stating that their worst fears had been realized. The AUF is now collaborating with Manchester United to plan the player's subsequent treatment and recovery process.

Before his injury, Ugarte had played significant minutes in Uruguay's previous group stage matches. He featured for 72 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, 70 minutes in the 2-2 tie with Cape Verde, and 45 minutes in the final group game against Spain. His absence was felt as Uruguay struggled to advance.

With only two points from a possible nine, Uruguay finished at the bottom of Group H, marking one of the tournament's significant disappointments. The loss and Ugarte's subsequent injury cast a further shadow over their World Cup campaign.

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The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) announced this Sunday in a statement the worst of the presumptions that were held for the injury of the 25-year-old midfielder.