Canadian coach Bev Priestman must once again deal with injuries as the Paris Olympics approach.
Veterans Janine Beckie and Desiree Scott are back in the fray after long absences on the eve of Canada, No. 9 in the world, at the SheBelives Cup against Brazil (No. 10) on Friday. But others are missing.
The last tile to fall on Canada’s head was the injury suffered by goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx in training. Proulx returned to Bay FC, her NWSL club.
Quinn and Olivia Smith were removed from the lineup due to concussion and knee injury, respectively, on the eve of the tournament, joining Sydney Collins, Nichelle Prince and Jayde Riviere on the sidelines.
“At this point, you want to start creating fluidity between the players. We couldn’t do it to our liking,” Priestman said.
Forward Clarissa Larisey is in camp, but is not 100%.
Priestman tries to see the glass half full.
I’ve seen players get their chance in that kind of situation and really raise their game. I think that’s what’s going to happen eventually.
Bev Priestman
Both Beckie and Scott participated in recent Canadian team camps, but are still rehabbing. Priestman said both players will see action in the tournament.
On Saturday, the United States (No. 4) will face Japan (No. 7). The winners of these two matches will face each other three days later in the final, in Columbus, Ohio.
Priestman also hopes that his players will be available for the penultimate international window before the Olympics, from May 25 to 1er June. She then wishes to play two matches, then two others in Europe, in the window from July 8 to 16. The women’s Olympic tournament will take off on July 25.
The coach has decisions to make before Canada begins the defense of its Olympic title in Group 3, along with France (No. 3), Colombia (No. 23) and New Zealand (No. 28).
The deadline to decide on its roster of 18 players and replacements is July 3.
Canada is 11-11-9 against Brazil.