World Cup: Canada face Switzerland without Ismaël Koné after serious injury | OneFootball

Canada must confront Switzerland without Ismaël Koné, who sustained a serious leg fracture in last Thursday’s 6-0 win over Qatar. The Sassuolo midfielder had become indispensable for the national side.

According to L'Équipe, on-call surgeons at Vancouver General were watching on a break when the injury occurred after a heavy challenge by Assim Madibo. Head coach Jesse Marsch later said everyone heard the bone break and that it was horrible.

Koné was taken straight to hospital, operated on urgently and placed in a cast. The 24-year-old former OM player chose to remain nearby, with Canada almost assured of a historic place in the knockout phase. He later rejoined the squad at their hotel, first on crutches then in a wheelchair in footage shared by the federation.

He must rest before beginning rehabilitation and he hopes Canada top Group B, which would keep them in Vancouver for a round of 32 and potentially a last 16 tie. Air travel is strongly discouraged for now, so he could spend more days with the team.

The squad, moved by his return, have had to set emotions aside to prepare for their next match. Replacing Koné is their main challenge, with Nathan Saliba the preferred option after an encouraging first season at Anderlecht that earned him a spot in the 26.

Saliba will need to raise his level to cover the box-to-box role, though he offers talent and composure. He replaced Koné against Qatar and scored with a precise direct free-kick.

Source: L'Équipe