Manuel Ugarte’s World Cup is in doubt. The Uruguay midfielder was stretchered off and substituted after appearing to hurt himself on an awkward step during his team’s group-stage match against Spain. He was helped from the field and did not return.
Seconds after the devastating blow to Uruguay’s side, Spain took the lead when a shot squirmed through goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and over the line.
Ugarte, who plays for Manchester United, has been the central piece of Uruguay’s midfield. Losing him is a blow to a Uruguay team that entered the night needing to win against Spain to keep its tournament alive. The two-time World Cup champions opened with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, then drew 2-2 with Cape Verde, leaving it on the brink of an early exit from a group it was expected to advance out of easily.
The nature and severity of the injury were not immediately clear. Uruguay’s medical staff was expected to evaluate Ugarte after the match.
This story will be updated as new information is available.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Uruguay injury: Manuel Ugarte stretchered off in World Cup game vs. Spain
