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Canada’s men’s soccer squad is coming together ahead of the World Cup, with the final team set to be announced Friday. However, uncertainty remains about the lineup, especially in defence, due to injury concerns.
Captain Alphonso Davies missed the intense training camp in Charlotte, N.C., as he continues rehabilitation in Munich for a hamstring injury. Head coach Jesse Marsch has essentially ruled Davies out for Canada’s crucial June 12 opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto.
Normally, Richie Laryea would step in at left back. He has done an outstanding job filling in during Davies’s 15-month absence. But Laryea is nursing a thigh strain and has appeared a bit sluggish during training.
“I’m more focused on what I’m doing every day and how I can get back to full fitness,” Laryea said earlier this week.
Marsch faces a tough decision if Laryea cannot play. He could name Zorhan Bassong, who covers left back for Sporting Kansas City, or Ralph Priso, who has been scrimmaging there, to the final 26-man roster. Both options would mean sacrificing forward depth, which Marsch is unlikely to accept.
Alternatively, Marsch could shift a right back across the field. Alistair Johnston or Niko Sigur, both primarily right-sided players, have experience playing left back. Johnston is the more probable candidate, but Sigur, who also plays defence and midfield for Hajduk Split, feels comfortable on the left.
“I’m comfortable on the left for sure,” Sigur said.
Tajon Buchanan, who usually commands the right wing, said switching sides isn’t a major issue for most squad members. “We have so many guys who can play so many different positions,” he said. “Everyone on the left can play on the right, and everyone on the right can play on the left.”
Marsch’s training camp is designed to challenge the players physically, a practice carried over from their intense preparation for Copa America 2024. On Tuesday, lightning disrupted the session, forcing an early end.
Wednesday’s heat proved difficult for some. Nathan Saliba was taken off the pitch with mild heat stroke, while Liam Millar sat exhausted, with a trainer applying ice to his neck.
Saliba returned to training Thursday, which was sunny and hot. Millar’s work was monitored with a lighter load to manage his fitness after recently playing for Hull in the Championship playoff.
“I think we know the benefit that it’s going to give us,” defender Derek Cornelius said ahead of Thursday’s demanding interval training. “Obviously, right now it’s tough.”
Twenty-year-old Luc de Fougerolles has cleared concussion protocols and resumed full practice after suffering a head injury with Belgian club Dender ten days ago. The trans-Atlantic travel initially caused dizziness, but after rest and light training, de Fougerolles is feeling better.
“I’m ready to go again, feeling good,” he said. Asked if he was ready to head the ball, he laughed, “I think we’ll see if it comes up. But if it’s there, I’m sure I’ll go for it.”
Coach Marsch must cut six players before naming the final roster Friday. Among those on the bubble are forwards Jacen Russell-Rowe, midfielders Jayden Nelson and Jacob Shaffelburg, and defenders Bassong, Priso, and Jamie Knight-Lebel.
Shaffelburg, nicknamed Canada’s “Maritime Messi,” was once a near certainty for selection. But a recent muscle injury with LAFC has kept him out of training in Charlotte. He appeared uncomfortable getting off the team bus Thursday and was seen working out alone on an empty field, separated from teammates.
Time appears to be running out for Shaffelburg’s World Cup hopes.