Moïse Bombito
Remains on modified training
Bombito (leg) continues on a modified training program with Canada's World Cup squad, according to manager Jesse Marsch, per Joshua Kloke of TheAthletic. "Moise, we're just going to go day by day. I thought he looked really good today, so that was a positive development for him. I think he still looked good today. Obviously, there's going to be a decision made on him in the next couple of days. But I hope he recovers well and very fast in the next three to four days. He's obviously a very important piece of the team, and we would love to add him."
Analysis: Bombito's continued absence from full training maintains uncertainty over his availability for Canada's opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12. The defender missed most of the 2025-26 season with Nice and logged only 31 minutes in a recent international friendly, making his chances of featuring in the opening match appear slim. Derek Cornelius and Luc De Fougerolles are expected to continue as the central defensive partnership until Bombito can prove his fitness.
Still trying to be fit for WC
Bombito is still part of the Canadian squad for the World Cup and could have a chance of participating in the tournament, as manager Jesse Marsch told TSN "He's here, he's still going through a lot of little recovery issues to see if he can get himself to 100%, so we're giving him until the very last minute.", per Ben Steiner of Sports Illustrated.
Analysis: Bombito was reportedly set to be removed from the national team's roster, but that is not the case yet, with the defender retaining some hope of being ready to play at some point of the competition. However, it seems difficult for him to appear in the opening match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, given that he missed most of the 2025/26 season with Nice and logged only 31 minutes of play during an international friendly in early June. Therefore, Derek Cornelius and Luc De Fougerolles could get opportunities in the middle of Canada's back line.
Set to miss World Cup
Bombito (leg) is set to be replaced on Canada's roster due to his leg not being healed enough following surgery, according to Matthew Scianitti of TSN.
Analysis: Bombito is now likely to be dropped from the Canadian national team after an attempt to recover from a surgically repaired leg, as the defender was once again injured after playing in a friendly, clearly not enough to make the massive tournament. The defender's loss will be a major blow to the team as they lose their top defender, leaving Luc De Fougerolles and Derek Cornelius as likely starters in the middle of the defense. However, a replacement player has yet to be announced. A return for the defender should still come ahead of the 2026/27 season as he prepares for league play.
Return handled cautiously
Bombito (undisclosed) is still being monitored by Canada's coaching staff, with manager Jesse Marsch saying "We're being patient with Moise, we're going step by step. He had a bit of a reaction after the game in Uzbekistan, so it's taking a little bit more time. We're giving every opportunity to rebound from this and show that he can be ready to play. We haven't even started talkingabout secondary options or anything else, because we're focused on making sure that we give him every opportunity.", Joshua Kloke of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Bombito will likely start if he's ready for the World Cup opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but he's coming off a lengthy absence due to a leg injury, and the national team may want to be careful for him to avoid a serious setback. The defender didn't train Wednesday, so he'll need to gradually resume work over the next week. In case he fails to reach an optimal level, his spot could be covered by Joel Waterman or, if fit, Alfie Jones (undisclosed).
Not training Wednesday
Bombito was not a participant in full training Wednesday, according to Matthew Scianitti of TSN Sports.
Analysis: Bombito looks to be taking his return to play cautiously after months out with a broken leg, as after playing in a friendly over the weekend, he has now been withheld from practicing Wednesday. This does bring a little concern to the center-back, as it appears he may not be fully fit heading into the tournament. More importantly, Team Canada will hope there is no new injury, as that would be a major loss for the team if he misses time.
Aiming to appear for national team
Bombito (leg) is hopeful to be fit enough to play in the World Cup, commenting he is "really confident using the leg that was broken, not broken anymore...ready to use it.", Matthew Scianitti of TSN Sports reports.
Analysis: Bombito has just returned from a long absence, playing for Nice's reserve team in mid-May following seven months without league activity. The defender could be able to start in the June 12 opener versus Bosnia-Herzegovina, although it remains to be seen if he'll immediately get a 90-minute outing. He'll offer a strong alternative especially if Alfie Jones (undisclosed) is sidelined, and he'll look to contribute defensive stats when on the pitch.
Plays with reserve team
Bombito (leg) will not be available for Sunday's season finale against Metz despite having featured with the reserve team to build his fitness, according to coach Claude Puel, per Ici Azur. "Bombito will be absent even though he was able to play again with the reserve team."
Analysis: Bombito has been sidelined since undergoing leg surgery in October and his appearance with the reserve side is an encouraging step in his rehabilitation, but the first team finale comes too soon for him to be considered for selection. The Canadian center-back will now shift his focus entirely to being fully fit for the World Cup this summer, where he is expected to be an important figure for Canada on home soil if his recovery continues on schedule.
Hopeful to join group soon
Bombito (leg) is seeing solid progression and is eyeing a return soon, according to manager Claude Puel, per William Humberset of Nice Matin. "For [Moise], it is on course, he is progressing well and will soon join us."
Analysis: Bombito has been out since October with a leg injury that required surgery, but is finally nearing his return, as the defender is expected to join the group soon. Whether this will give him a chance at playing again this season is still unseen, as he needs to build further fitness. More importantly for him, the defender should be fit in time for the 2026 World Cup, set to represent Canada if healthy enough.
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