Canada Soccer signs Sam Adekugbe to replace injured Alistair Johnston | iNFOnews

08 September 2024 – 12:27

Vancouver Whitecaps defender Sam Adekugbe has replaced the injured Alistair Johnston ahead of Canada’s friendly match against Mexico on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.

Johnston left the team in the 23rd minute of Saturday's 2-1 win over the USA in Kansas City. He was replaced by Richie Laryea.

“He said he felt a little tightness in his thigh,” Canada coach Jesse Marsch said after the game. “And that's why he thought it would be wiser to go out.”

Canada Soccer announced on Sunday that Johnston had returned to his Scottish club Celtic.

Adekugbe was originally called up by Marsch for the training camp, but was unable to play due to injury. Nathan Saliba from CF Montreal came in as a replacement. Saliba played his first international match for Canada on Saturday, coming on in the 94th minute.

The 29-year-old Adekugbe, who has played 42 international matches for Canada, is apparently healthy again.

Striker Theo Bair was replaced by Jacen Russel-Rowe after he arrived at the training camp in Canada due to injury.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published September 8, 2024.

News by © The Canadian Press, 2024