Despite initial reports out of Europe that suggested Nathan Saliba was set to miss weeks with an injury, sources tell TSN the 22-year-old midfielder is dealing with a hip issue – described as “hip irritation” – but is expected to be available for Anderlecht’s Belgian league game against Gent this weekend.
Sources also say Saliba should be healthy enough to start Anderlecht’s Belgian Cup final against Union Saint-Gilloise on May 14.
Saliba started Anderlecht’s April 26 league loss to Union Saint-Gilloise, and then missed the team’s loss to Club Brugge the following week.
Anderlecht is currently fourth in the Belgian League, 19 points behind league leaders Club Brugge, and have three more league games after the Belgian Cup final, ending their league season on May 24.
Positive news around Saliba’s health will be a boon for Anderlecht and Canada.
Over the past year, the Longueuil, Que. native has established a strong presence in central midfield for club and country, acting as a pivot point between defence and attack.
Saliba made his debut for Canada in September 2024, playing one minute against the United States; but his usage in Jesse Marsch’s squad has risen quickly.
Saliba played the full 90 minutes against Ukraine in the Canadian Shield invitational tournament last summer and then started two groups stage games in the Gold Cup, replacing the absent Stephen Eustáquio.
Saliba has made 13 appearances for Canada, including seven starts, and scored two goals.
A strong, developing piece in CF Montreal’s starting lineup before his exploits with Canada began, Saliba parlayed his strong performances with the national team last summer into a transfer from MLS to Belgian league giants Anderlecht last summer. Saliba has made 27 league appearances for Anderlecht this season, including 21 starts, scoring two goals.
Canada’s European players are expected to begin arriving in Charlotte for the team’s pre-World Cup camp the week of May 25.
World Cup squads need to be finalized by June 1.
