Jacob Shaffelburg will miss Canada’s upcoming January camp in Los Angeles and is expected to miss the first two months of the new MLS season following groin surgery to fix a degenerative condition, TSN has learned.
Following a trade to LAFC from Nashville SC last week, the 26-year-old winger was originally named to Canada’s January squad but will spend a second consecutive MLS preseason recovering rather than playing. Shaffelburg missed the start of the last MLS season with a thigh injury and didn’t play more than 45 minutes for Nashville until mid-April.
Shaffelburg’s surgery comes six months out from a home World Cup – a critical time in his club and country career.
Shaffelburg was a standout performer for Canada during the team’s run to the 2024 Copa América semifinals and played significant roles in last June’s Canadian Shield competition and the Concacaf Gold Cup.
But Shaffelburg is facing stiff competition for his place on the wings of Canada’s midfield.
The burgeoning worth of Ali Ahmed, Tajon Buchanan’s offensive importance, the emotional and tactical value of Richie Laryea, the return of Liam Millar from ACL surgery, and Alphonso Davies’ own impending return from ACL surgery and questions about if Canada’s captain will play on the left side of defence or in attack all mean Shaffelburg’s chances to sway manager Jesse Marsch’s mind will be at a premium.
Shaffelburg’s recovery timeline likely puts his return to play in early March, meaning his availability for Canada’s late March international window – its final before World Cup preparation in May and early June - becomes increasingly important.
Meanwhile, new Canadian central defender Alfie Jones also won’t have many opportunities to secure his place in Marsch’s World Cup squad.
After the 28-year-old had ankle surgery this week, he is not expected to be available to play in Canada’s late March window. But Jones may still be involved in that camp in some capacity to continue his integration in the Canadian team after his international debut against Venezuela in November.
Jones, too, is battling for his place against Derek Cornelius, Luc de Fougerolles, the impending return of defensive standout Moïse Bombito from a broken leg, Kamal Miller, and Joel Waterman.
