Why was Manuel Ugarte stretchered off during Uruguay vs Spain at FIFA World Cup 2026?

Manuel Ugarte was left devastated as he was stretchered off during Uruguay vs Spain at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The player could’ve potentially made a difference in his side’s 1-0 defeat that eliminated them from the competition at the Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico.

Manuel Ugarte suffered knee injury during Uruguay vs Spain

Moments before Spain took the lead, Manuel Ugarte was involved in an awkward challenge that appeared to damage the Uruguayan’s knee.

Rushing to his aid, Ugarte was stretchered off the field of play by the medical staff, with the gifted player, who was understandably emotional, covering his head with his shirt.

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Bizarrely, the injury appears to have been inflicted by his own teammate. Ugarte and Mathias Olivera both attempted to win the ball. The Napoli star got there first and, during the follow-through, tumbled down onto Ugarte’s leg.

Instantly feeling the pain, Ugarte unleashed a scream. Of course, Uruguay wanted the ball to be put out of, but Spain continued to play, with Alex Baena converting an effort that Fernando Muslera, who was later substituted, ought to have saved.

Ugarte looked almost certain to leave Old Trafford this summer, but with this latest injury, his future is unclear. There is currently no update on how long the skilled athlete will be out for.

Serie A clubs and Tottenham Hotspur have both shown interest in the 25-year-old.

Featured Image Credit: Getty