Portland Timbers defender could receive unexpected World Cup opportunity | OneFootball

These last couple of weeks were a roller coaster of emotions for the national teams. As the friendly matches conclude, many managers are encouraged by the promising performances. However, there is a side of the coin that no player wants: injuries.

Leonardo Balerdi injured himself during training and is out of the World Cup. The same happened to CanMNT star player Moïse Bombito, and like Balerdi, he is out of the tournament.

Due to this injury, a new opportunity has opened for a Portland Timbers defender to represent their country in soccer’s biggest tournament.

Kamal Miller could be a potential replacement for Bombito

Kamal Miller was left out of the 26-man roster; despite having more than 50 appearances for the Canadian national team and being a starting player for Jesse Marsch, the CanMNT manager.

The truth is that Miller had an inconsistent season with the Timbers, putting other guys ahead in the head coach’s consideration.

Bombito was clearly the starting center-back, and in the last international window, Marsch used the former Inter Miami defender as a substitute, and then as a starter once the Ligue 1 player was injured.

Many outlets suggest this move is unlikely to happen. Still, no official confirmation was released about who the replacement is, so Miller still has a shot at playing in the World Cup for Canada.

Reports suggest Ralph Priso should land this job, but he is too young, and Miller already has the experience of playing for Marsch.

This season, Kamal Miller appeared in 10 games for the Portland Timbers, recording no goals or assists, and received a red card in one match. Right now, the Timbers are 13th in the Western Conference, only six points behind the LA Galaxy for the MLS playoff qualifiers.

Although Miller is unlikely to make the roster, he remains an official option and is the only candidate with experience playing for the current CanMNT squad.