Crew striker Wessam Abou Ali (ACL) out for season

27-year-old Palestine international suffered torn ACL and meniscus damage in Sunday's match.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a soccer player in mid-stride, their body fractured into overlapping planes of deep blues, greens, and reds, conveying the disruption caused by Abou Ali's injury to the Crew's season.Abou Ali's season-ending injury leaves a gaping hole in the Crew's attack, forcing the team to find new ways to generate offense.Columbus Today

Columbus Crew striker Wessam Abou Ali will miss the rest of the 2026 MLS season after suffering a torn right ACL and meniscus damage in his knee during Sunday's 1-1 draw against Orlando City. The 27-year-old Palestine international, one of the Crew's three designated players, leads the team and is tied for fourth in MLS with five goals through seven matches this season.

Why it matters

Abou Ali's injury is a major blow to the Crew's playoff hopes, as he has been a key offensive contributor since joining the club in 2025. The team will now have to rely on other options at the striker position, including Nariman Akhundzada, Jamal Thiare and 17-year-old homegrown forward Chase Adams.

The details

Abou Ali sustained the season-ending injury during Sunday's match against Orlando City. The Crew announced on Tuesday that he suffered a torn right ACL and meniscus damage. The 27-year-old Palestine international leads Columbus with five goals this season and has eight goals and two assists in 12 career regular-season matches with the club.

  • Abou Ali was injured during Sunday's 1-1 draw against Orlando City.
  • The Crew announced Abou Ali's season-ending injury on Tuesday.

The players

Wessam Abou Ali

A 27-year-old Palestine international who is one of the Columbus Crew's three designated players. He leads the team and is tied for fourth in MLS with five goals through seven matches this season.

Henrik Rydstrom

The head coach of the Columbus Crew.

Nariman Akhundzada

A forward for the Columbus Crew who could replace Abou Ali in the starting lineup.

Jamal Thiare

A forward for the Columbus Crew who could replace Abou Ali in the starting lineup.

Chase Adams

A 17-year-old homegrown forward for the Columbus Crew who could see more playing time with Abou Ali out for the season.

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What they’re saying

“I will be back stronger than before, and right now I'm just excited to start this comeback journey with my loved ones by my side.”

— Wessam Abou Ali

What’s next

The Crew will have to rely on other options at the striker position, including Nariman Akhundzada, Jamal Thiare and 17-year-old homegrown forward Chase Adams, to try to make up for the loss of Abou Ali for the remainder of the season.

The takeaway

Abou Ali's season-ending injury is a major setback for the Columbus Crew, who will have to find a way to replace his offensive production and leadership as they push for a playoff spot in the second half of the 2026 MLS season.