Crew striker Wessam Abou Ali out for season

Torn ACL sidelines Columbus forward for remainder of 2026 campaign

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:02pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a soccer player in mid-stride, with the ball and field deconstructed into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of deep greens, royal blues, and bright whites, conceptually representing the impact of a key player's injury on a team's season.The loss of star striker Wessam Abou Ali to a season-ending ACL tear leaves a gaping hole in the Columbus Crew's attack.Columbus Today

The Columbus Crew announced on Tuesday that striker Wessam Abou Ali will miss the rest of the 2026 season after suffering a torn right ACL injury.

Why it matters

Abou Ali was a key offensive contributor for the Crew, and his extended absence will be a significant blow to the team's playoff hopes as they look to build on last season's strong performance.

The details

Abou Ali, 27, sustained the ACL tear during training on Monday. The injury will require surgery and several months of rehabilitation, effectively ending his 2026 campaign. The Crew forward had appeared in all 10 of the team's matches so far this season, scoring 3 goals.

  • Abou Ali suffered the torn ACL on Monday, April 13, 2026.
  • The Crew announced the season-ending injury on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Wessam Abou Ali

A 27-year-old striker for the Columbus Crew who will miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to a torn right ACL.

Columbus Crew

The professional soccer team based in Columbus, Ohio that plays in Major League Soccer.

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What’s next

The Crew will need to explore options to replace Abou Ali's production, either through the transfer market or by promoting from within their roster.

The takeaway

Abou Ali's season-ending injury is a significant setback for the Crew as they look to build on last year's success and push for a playoff spot. The team will need to find a way to replace his goal-scoring ability if they hope to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.