Canada midfielder Marcelo Flores will miss this summer’s World Cup after suffering a knee injury in the Concacaf Champions Cup final Saturday.
The 22-year-old ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while playing for Mexican club Tigres UNAL in the continental championship match. Tigres lost to Toluca in a shootout.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch has spoken with Flores since the injury.
“Obviously, we’re devastated for him,” said Marsch Sunday. “Our hearts are with him. He’s in good spirits. He’s already focused on moving forward and getting himself healthy for the future.”
Marsch has not made a decision on who will replace Flores in the 26-player squad.
Canada plays Uzbekistan in Edmonton Monday evening before facing Ireland in Montreal Friday to finish their World Cup preparations. The co-hosts open their tournament a week later against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto June 12.
