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Bad news for brand new competition leader Anderlecht. Midfielder Thorgan Hazard, who was injured in Sunday’s win against Union (2-1), has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Hazard, 31, will be out of action for at least six months.
It happened just after half an hour in the clash between Anderlecht and Union. Thorgan Hazard went down during an innocent duel with Alessio Castro-Montes. The midfielder screamed in pain. Referee Erik Lambrechts immediately saw the seriousness of the situation and stopped the game. Hazard’s knee twisted slightly when he landed, and it soon became clear that Anderlecht’s number 11 could no longer continue.
In front of his parents in the stands – who preferred not to watch the scene – Hazard had his first concerns on the field, but he could no longer play. In the second half, Hazard suddenly appeared – with crutches – on the Anderlecht bench. “He screamed in pain,” said teammate Jan Vertonghen, who was standing nearby. “We will have to wait for the results of the scans,” added Mats Rits.
Heavy verdict
The fear of a serious injury has now become reality. Hazard tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Union and will be sidelined for at least six months. A heavy blow for the Red Devil and Anderlecht. The chance that Hazard will still be on the score sheet in 2024 seems non-existent.
For Anderlecht there will be some headaches – in addition to the suspension of Zeno Debast at Genk next week. All analysts agreed that Anderlecht needed a good Thorgan Hazard to fight for the title until the end. Francis Amuzu’s appearance was encouraging, but he is also just returning after a long absence and has not yet been able to take on a starting position.
That is why Anderlecht is now looking towards Yari Verschaeren to ensure that coup de genius. In terms of profile he is closest to Hazard. The young midfielder was injured a month ago, but is training again. “The plan was to get Yari ready for the match at Genk, and we are still on schedule,” concluded Anderlecht coach Brian Riemer.
