More than a few dreams officially came true in Canada's World Cup roster announcement Sunday, but it also delivered a dose of disappointment.
Defender Doneil Henry is going to Qatar but in a non-playing role after a calf injury suffered prior to Friday's 2-2 tie with Bahrain ruled him out of the tournament that kicks off next Sunday. Henry's importance to the squad was shown by the fact he was to captain Canada in the game.
"It really shows the courage and what this brotherhood's about when a man can sort of surrender his shirt and take that step forward to support the team in a different role." But 39-year-old captain Atiba Hutchinson and fellow midfielder David Wotherspoon both made it back in time. Hutchinson, Canada's all time men's caps leader with 97, returned to action Wednesday in a Turkish Cup game with Besiktas.Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan Osorio also made it into the squad despite seeing just 18 minutes of Major League Soccer action since Aug. 18 due to post-concussion syndrome. But he played the full match in Bahrain.
While Herdman only named seven defenders, he has wingback options in Alphonso Davies, Tajon Buchanan and Junior Hoilett if needed alongside his preferred back three. Davies had to leave Bayern's game last weekend against at Hertha Berlin with a hamstring strain but says he expects to be ready to go in Qatar.
Players on the World Cup roster who were part of the Bahrain camp are already in the Qatari capital of Doha. Those who were with their European clubs were to arrive Sunday or Monday.The Canadians play a final tune-up Thursday against No. 24 Japan in Dubai. The team will head to Dubai on Wednesday and return to Doha after the game.
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