Injuries and scoring concerns shadow Canada before pre-World Cup friendlies

Canada have two final warm-up matches ahead of their home World Cup opener on June 12 in Toronto, facing Uzbekistan in Edmonton and the Republic of Ireland in Montréal. The build-up has been disrupted by injuries: nine of the 26 players named to Jesse Marsch’s squad are carrying concerns, and creative midfielder Marcelo Flores ruptured his ACL in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final, ruling him out of the tournament with no replacement called up.

Several squad members are still working back to fitness. Moïse Bombito has not played since October after a fractured leg and needs minutes to ramp up; Alfie Jones is returning from ankle surgery after last appearing in December; Alphonso Davies is out, while Richie Laryea has not played since April 22 but could see time.

Promise David has accelerated his recovery from hip tendon surgery, Jacob Shaffelburg has only 223 MLS minutes this season and trained on the side in camp, and Shaffelburg plus Ali Ahmed are ruled out against Uzbekistan.

Canada, Toronto, Edmonton, Montréal

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