CanMNT squad revealed for Canadian Shield tournament vs. Ukraine, Ivory Coast at BMO Field

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Canada NT

Canada Soccer has revealed the 23-player men's national team squad that will take part in the upcoming Canadian Shield tournament in June, as Jesse Marsch prepares for this summer's Concacaf Gold Cup.

Canada Soccer has revealed the 23-player men's national team squad that will take part in the upcoming Canadian Shield tournament in June.

Les Rouges will play two matches at Toronto's BMO Field, beginning with a clash against Ukraine on Saturday, June 7, followed by a game against Côte d'Ivoire on Tuesday, June 10.

Jesse Marsch's roster for this invitational tournament features many of Canada's usual stars, including Jonathan David, Stephen Eustáquio, and Tajon Buchanan. Among the returning players who missed the previous international window are the Vancouver Whitecaps' Sam Adekugbe and Jayden Nelson, as well as Toronto FC fullback Richie Laryea, CF Montréal's Nathan Saliba, Sporting Kansas City's Zorhan Bassong and 19-year-old Fulham defender Luc de Fougerolles.

Laryea's return is a surprise, as he hasn't yet returned to action for his club since picking up an injury March 1, but his inclusion indicates he may nearly be ready to play again. Nelson, meanwhile, has been in good form for the Whitecaps and has received his first call-up to the national team since 2023.

The group also has a few absences, both expected and unexpected. Alphonso Davies remains out with his long-term knee injury, and therefore was always going to miss out. However, the roster is also missing Moïse Bombito, who has started every game under Marsch, as well as Alistair Johnston; both players started for their clubs on Saturday and played 90 minutes, so it's unclear why they weren't included in this squad.

Another surprise is the fact that Marsch has only chosen to call up two goalkeepers in Maxime Crépeau and Dayne St. Clair.

However, Canada Soccer did reveal that two additional training players have been invited to camp: CF Montréal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois, and Manchester United Academy forward Gabriele Biancheri, who scored 21 goals in 35 games for United's youth side this year. Biancheri has previously represented Wales at the U-19 level, so could be a potential dual national target for Marsch and his staff.

The Canada squad will first convene in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where they will begin their camp with an open training session at the Wanderers Grounds.

They'll then head to Toronto for this Canadian Shield tournament, which will serve as valuable preparation for the team ahead of this summer's Concacaf Gold Cup.

Can Mnt Squad