Enner Valencia injury update: Latest on Ecuador's FIFA World Cup Golden Boot leader after knock vs Netherlands

Andrew Haslam

Enner Valencia injury update: Latest on Ecuador's FIFA World Cup Golden Boot leader after knock vs Netherlands image

Ecuador are sweating on the fitness of star striker and captain Enner Valencia after the 2022 World Cup's top scorer was carried off on a stretcher late on in the 1-1 Group A draw against the Netherlands.
 
Valencia made it three goals in two games with the equaliser four minutes into the second half against the Netherlands, tapping in from close range after Pervis Estupinan's shot had been parried by Dutch 'keeper Andries Noppert. 

However, a superb personal performance came to an early end as Valencia — who had been a doubt for the game with an ongoing right knee injury — went down in the closing stages.

After a spell of treatment, he was carried off on a stretcher looking to be in some pain, although he subsequently took his place on the bench with a large ice pack on the joint.

There's a video that shows him to come off the field after the final whistle without any assistance.

Will Enner Valencia play in World Cup match vs Senegal?

Subsequent media reports suggested Valencia would be fit to face Senegal on Tuesday in Ecuador's Group A finale where a point will be enough to take them into the Round of 16 for the second time after 2006.

The 33-year-old has scored Ecuador's last six goals in World Cup finals, including both in their opening fixture at the 2022 tournament, a 2-0 win against hosts Qatar, when he was also replaced in the closing stages.

He now has 38 goals in 76 international appearances and is the top scorer in Ecuador's World Cup squad; the next highest is Michael Estrada, on eight goals.

Valencia has also hit 13 goals in 12 league appearances for Turkish side Fenerbahce this season, and will be key for Ecuador in their crucial match against Senegal.

Andrew Haslam

Andrew Haslam Photo

Andrew Haslam is a freelance journalist with more than 20 years' experience working in football. A long-suffering Middlesbrough fan, as if there's any other kind, he has been a long-standing member of UEFA's digital team with particular focus on press kits and Fantasy football in addition to live match coverage, and has also worked for the Premier League and Chelsea among many other roles.