Canada have been dealt a major blow just days before their World Cup campaign starts against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Jesse Marsch’s side will fancy their chances of making it out of Group B alongside Bosnia, Qatar and Switzerland.
Home advantage is likely to be a key factor in helping them advance to the knockout rounds for the first time.
However, Canada’s hopes have just taken a hit with the latest injury news following their three World Cup warm-up matches.
Moise Bombito withdraws from Canada’s World Cup squad
Canada played their first of three pre-World Cup friendlies against Uzbekistan in Edmonton on Monday.
Jonathan Osorio and Jayden Nelson scored the goals as Marsch’s team won 2-0 in front of their home crowd.
The only negative was that Nice defender Moise Bombito was forced to leave the pitch after just 31 minutes.
Bombito has only just recovered from a broken leg he suffered in a Ligue 1 match against Monaco in October.
Unfortunately, the 26-year-old is still not back to full match sharpness, as he could not see out the first half.
Bombito also reportedly struggled with leg soreness during Canada’s behind-closed-doors game against Vermont Green.
The decision has since been taken not to risk the defender’s long-term health by allowing him to participate in the World Cup.
Vancouver Whitecaps centre-back Ralph Priso has already been identified as Bombito’s replacement in the 26-man squad.
Priso has been involved throughout Canada’s World Cup preparations, playing the second half against Uzbekistan.
Meanwhile, Canada will also be keeping a close eye on Alphonso Davies’ fitness, as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
Unlike Bombito, Marsch has decided to keep Davies in the squad despite concerns over his availability.
The Bayern Munich left-back is probably Canada’s most important player, so he is worth taking a gamble on.
Davies is in a race against time to play against Bosnia, but he should be available for the Qatar game next week.
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