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Canada will be minus a trio of key defenders for a pair of men’s soccer friendlies later this month as the World Cup approaches.
The Canadians face Iceland on March 28 and Tunisia on March 31 at Toronto’s BMO Field in two of its final home matches ahead of the showcase event.
The squad includes core attackers Jonathan David (Juventus FC), Cyle Larin (Southampton FC) and Tajon Buchanan (Villarreal CF), with Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Dayne St. Clair (Inter Miami) and Owen Goodman (Barnsley FC) named as goalkeepers.
As expected, left back Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) was not named to the roster as he continues to deal with a strained right hamstring after returning from a torn ACL.
The Canadian captain suffered the injury earlier this month with Bayern Munich.
Right back Alistair Johnston (Celtic FC), recovering from hamstring surgery, and centre back Moise Bombito (OGC Nice), working back from a fractured tibia, were both named as training players only.
Midfielder and vice-captain Stephen Eustaquio (LAFC) was left off the roster after picking up an injury in a recent MLS match, as was his LAFC teammate Jacob Shaffelburg, who underwent surgery in January for a degenerative groin condition.
Defenders include Derek Cornelius (Rangers FC), Kamal Miller (Portland Timbers) and Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), while midfielders Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Ismael Kone (U.S. Sassuolo Calcio) and Mathieu Choiniere (LAFC) are among those selected.
Jacen Russell-Rowe scored off a beautiful setup by Malik Henry to give Canada a 1-0 victory over Guatemala in a international friendly Saturday in Los Angeles.
“There’s a real excitement in this group right now and playing at home in Canada is something the players never take for granted,” head coach Jesse Marsch said in a statement. “Our fans have been incredible, and we’re calling on them to come out, fill BMO Field, and be part of what we’re building as we head toward the World Cup.”
The March window marks one of the final chances for Canada to play on home soil before the tournament.
The country will also face Uzbekistan in Edmonton on June 1 and Ireland in Montreal on June 5, its final tune-ups before the World Cup begins June 11.
Canada is co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Mexico.
The Canadians open June 12 at BMO Field against the winner of a European playoff. Canada has also been drawn with Switzerland and Qatar in the group stage.
After the opener, Canada will face Qatar June 18 and Switzerland June 24 at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver.
The European playoff winner could be Italy, which would add a major test to Canada’s group.
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