What Happened
Marcelo Flores' World Cup dream is over before it began.
The 22-year-old winger from Georgetown, Ont., ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the 77th minute of Tigres UNAL's CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Toluca on Saturday. The injury — sustained in a shootout loss — will keep him off the pitch this summer.
"Obviously, we're devastated for him," Canada coach Jesse Marsch said 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."
The national team was eating dinner together when Flores crumpled to the turf. Vice captain Stephen Eustáquio said several players had seen injuries before and suspected the worst immediately.
Why It Matters
"He was very important for us, as a person as well as a player," Eustáquio said. "We have an extra motivation to go through this World Cup to make him proud as all Canadians."
Flores won only two caps for Canada, both coming in March's international window after switching his allegiance from Mexico in November. Despite the limited track record, Marsch named him one of 10 midfielders in the 26-player World Cup roster on Friday — a roster that now has a hole to fill.
World Cup rules allow roster replacements up to 24 hours before the first kickoff. Goalkeepers can be swapped at any point. Marsch said three players who didn't make Friday's cut — Sporting Kansas City defender Zorhan Bassong, Austin FC midfielder Jayden Nelson and Vancouver Whitecaps defender Ralph Priso — remain with the squad. The coaching staff could alsorecall a cut player or someone who skipped the Charlotte camp, such as veteran Junior Hoilet.
"We have time," Marsch said. "We'll evaluate over the next couple matches."
What Comes Next
Flores won't be on the field in June, but he won't be alone either. Marsch said he's invited the young winger to be around the team during the tournament once he undergoes surgery.
"He loves the team," Marsch said. "He said one of his favourite things to do is be with this team. We're thinking about him."