Jesse Marsch provides injury update as Canada navigates key absences ahead of World Cup
Canada’s head coach, Jesse Marsch, addressed the growing injury list as the men’s national team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Key players, including captain Alphonso Davies and midfielder Stephen Eustáquio, are sidelined. Marsch emphasised long-term recovery, prioritising player fitness over immediate participation in upcoming matches against Iceland and Tunisia.
Photo: Valeria Veyna
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch addressed a growing list of injuries impacting the men’s national team as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking after announcing his latest squad for the March international window, Marsch outlined the status of several key players, many of whom are currently unavailable or working toward full fitness.
The update comes at a critical stage in Canada’s buildup, with limited opportunities remaining before the tournament begins on home soil.
Alphonso Davies ruled out to prioritize recovery
Canada captain Alphonso Davies headlines the list of absentees. After recovering from a major knee injury that sidelined him for much of 2025, Davies recently suffered back-to-back hamstring issues, including one sustained during Bayern Munich’s UEFA Champions League match earlier this month.
While the latest injury is not considered serious, Marsch confirmed the decision was made to leave Davies with his club rather than risk a setback.
“We decided to leave Alphonso in Munich,” Marsch said. “Right now, the emphasis is to nurse players back to 100 percent fitness and make sure they are fully ready for May and June.”
Eustáquio setback highlights unpredictable recovery process
Midfielder Stephen Eustáquio is also unavailable after a complicated injury setback. Initially expected to recover quickly from a dead leg sustained in MLS play, Eustáquio’s condition worsened after a treatment session resulted in a hematoma.
“He’s obviously frustrated,” Marsch said. “But travelling right now is not the right plan for his recovery.”
The midfielder is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
Defensive group managing multiple recovery timelines
Canada’s defensive core is also dealing with several injury-related challenges. Derek Cornelius, recently back from a long-term injury, has yet to reestablish himself at Rangers but will join the national team camp as he continues to build match fitness.
Luc de Fougerolles, meanwhile, has returned to training following an ankle injury and is expected to feature in a limited role during the upcoming friendlies.
Moïse Bombito and Alistair Johnston will also be part of the camp environment but will not play, as both continue their respective recoveries.
“For them, being around the team is important,” Marsch said. “It helps them get back up to speed after missing time.”
Attacking options also affected by injuries
Up front, Canada is monitoring several players in recovery. Promise David remains in rehabilitation following hip surgery and faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup.
“He’s in a fight against time, we all know that,” Marsch said. “But we’re supporting him and giving him every chance to be ready.”
Jacob Shaffelburg has also experienced a minor setback after picking up a hamstring issue during his return from groin surgery, while Theo Bair will remain with his club to regain full fitness and form.
Long-term recoveries continue for key players
Fullback Sam Adekugbe continues to work his way back from a long-term Achilles injury suffered last summer.
Although he has returned to training with Vancouver Whitecaps, he has yet to be cleared for full competition.
Marsch emphasized that players in this stage of recovery must prioritize long-term readiness over short-term involvement.
“I told him to focus entirely on getting himself 100 percent back to form and fitness,” Marsch said.
Balancing short-term results with long-term readiness
With multiple key players unavailable, Canada enters the March window with a clear focus on managing workloads and ensuring long-term fitness ahead of the World Cup.
The upcoming matches against Iceland and Tunisia will provide valuable opportunities for available players, while also allowing injured stars to continue their recovery without added pressure.
As Canada moves closer to hosting the world’s biggest tournament, Marsch and his staff appear focused on one priority above all: having their strongest possible squad ready when it matters most.
