Canada will be without midfielder Josh Simpson for their three games next month – including two crucial World Cup qualifiers – after breaking his leg while featuring for his club in Switzerland.
Playing for BSC Young Boys, Simpson was taken off after 43 minutes on Wednesday when he came out on the wrong end of a tackle by FC Basel’s Marcus Steinhofer. Reports out of Switzerland say the tackle left Simpson with a fractured tibia and fibula in one of his legs.
Already lacking depth in a number of positions, Canadian head coach Stephen Hart will now be forced to go without one of the most influential midfielders in his side. In last year’s second qualifying round in CONCACAF for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Simpson played a part in all six games and scored three goals.
The injury is expected to sideline Simpson for three months. There’s been no word from the Canadian Soccer Association if a replacement will be named and who may take his spot.
