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Canada have suffered a major setback ahead of the World Cup after midfielder Marcelo Flores was ruled out of the tournament with a serious knee injury.
Head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed on Sunday that the 22-year-old sustained a ruptured cruciate ligament during Tigres UANL’s defeat to Deportivo Toluca in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final on Saturday.
“Obviously we’re devastated for him,” Marsch said after confirming Flores would miss the World Cup.
The Canada manager has yet to decide on a replacement for the midfielder as preparations continue for Monday’s international friendly against Uzbekistan in Edmonton.
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Flores, who plays for Mexican club Tigres UANL, formally switched his international allegiance to Canada earlier this year after previously representing Mexico in friendly matches.
Born in Canada to a Mexican father, Flores was eligible to play for both countries before ultimately committing his future to the Canadian national team.
Meanwhile, Marsch provided a more positive update regarding captain Alphonso Davies, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
The Canada men’s national soccer team captain was included in the World Cup squad announced on Friday despite concerns over his fitness.
“He has had an MRI last week and it shows there has been really good progress, he’s typically a good healer so it’s a good sign,” Marsch said.
Canada, one of the co-hosts of the World Cup, will begin their campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in Toronto before facing Switzerland national football team and Qatar national football team in their remaining Group B fixtures.
