Canadian men’s national soccer team center-back Derek Cornelius is sidelined due to a muscle injury. With the FIFA World Cup approaching, injuries have begun to mount within the squad. Head coach Danny Rohl of Rangers provided updates on the situation, expressing concerns about Cornelius’s condition.
Cornelius’s Injury Details
According to Rohl, Cornelius needs to consult a specialist regarding his injury. The severity of the issue is still unclear, but the coach indicated it could be significant. Rohl emphasized the importance of player safety, stating, “It’s always an honour to play for your own country, but as a club manager, you always want to protect your players.”
Impact on the Canadian Team
With Cornelius’s injury, the Canadian team is already facing several challenges in defense. Notably, the team captain, Alphonso Davies, is recovering from an ACL tear sustained last March. Other defenders, Moïse Bombito and Alistair Johnston, also remain unavailable, raising concerns for the national team.
Injury List
- Derek Cornelius – muscle injury; out indefinitely
- Alphonso Davies – recovering from ACL tear
- Moïse Bombito – sidelined until 2026
- Alistair Johnston – sidelined until 2026
Cornelius’s Performance
This season, the 27-year-old Cornelius has played 12 games for Rangers, scoring once. He also netted a goal for the national team in 11 appearances during 2025. The loss of key players like Cornelius could impact Canada’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
As the situation develops, fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on Cornelius’s recovery and the overall fitness of the team leading up to the tournament next summer.
