Marcelo Flores of Canada will be absent from the upcoming World Cup due to a knee injury, as confirmed by national team head coach Jesse Marsch. The injury, a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, occurred during a CONCACAF Champions Cup match with Tigres UNAL, where Flores, a 22-year-old midfielder from Georgetown, Ont., suffered the non-contact injury in the 77th minute. Tigres ultimately lost to Toluca in a shootout, prompting Flores to undergo surgery. In a social media post, Flores expressed gratitude for the support received and pledged to return stronger.
Although Flores was not present at Canada’s recent training camp in Charlotte, N.C., he was included in the 26-player World Cup roster announced last week. Marsch mentioned that he had spoken with Flores after the injury and extended an invitation for Flores to join the team post-surgery during the tournament. The decision on who will fill the vacant roster spot is pending, with Marsch indicating a selection will be made at least 24 hours ahead of Canada’s opening match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto.
Flores, who transitioned his national eligibility from Mexico to Canada in February, previously featured in Mexico’s senior team before switching allegiance. As an attacking midfielder with a background in Arsenal’s academy and stints in Spain and Mexico, Flores adds depth to Canada’s roster for the tournament. Canada, in collaboration with Mexico and the United States, is set to host the World Cup, with matches scheduled in Vancouver following the opening game in Toronto.