Canada’s Moise Bombito to miss World Cup due to leg injury

Canada centre-back Moise Bombito is set to miss the upcoming World Cup after it was determined he cannot compete on the leg he originally broke last October while playing for OGC Nice.

The 26-year-old managed 30 minutes in Canada’s friendly win against Uzbekistan last week—his first appearance since the initial injury. Although Canada Soccer noted the setback was not a new injury, the defender experienced a negative reaction post-match that ruled him out of the tournament.

Head coach Jesse Marsch has until 24 hours before the June 12 opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina to name a replacement from the provisional roster. Vancouver Whitecaps defender Ralph Priso is considered the likely candidate to join the final squad.

Bombito’s absence is a significant blow, given his physical profile is vital for Marsch’s aggressive pressing system. In his absence, the defensive burden is expected to fall on 20-year-old Luc de Fougerolles, who impressed during his start against Ireland on June 5.