Forwards Akinola and Larin ruled out of Concacaf Gold Cup through injuries

Canada forwards Ayo Akinola and Cyle Larin have both been ruled out of the Concacaf Gold Cup knockout phase after suffering injuries in the Sunday group finale in Kansas City, KS, USA. Akinola suffered a knee injury in the first half and Larin suffered a leg injury in the second half as Canada finished second place in their group after the 0:1 loss to USA. Both sides had already guaranteed their spot in the knockout phase after opening the group phase with back-to-back wins against Haiti and Martinique.

Both Akinola and Larin played significant roles in Canada reaching the Concacaf Gold Cup Quarterfinals for the third successive tournament, a first for the Men’s National Team Program. Larin, who has scored a record 10 goals this year, scored three goals in Canada’s two wins. Akinola, in his Canada debut against Haiti, drew the foul that led to Canada’s fourth goal via a Junior Hoilett penalty. Sunday’s group match in Kansas City was the first to feature Akinola and Larin paired up front as strikers.

Canada will face either Costa Rica or Jamaica in the Concacaf Gold Cup Quarterfinals on Sunday 25 July in Arlington, TX, USA. All of Canada’s matches at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup are broadcast live on OneSoccer and fans will find extended coverage across Canada Soccer’s digital channels on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube featuring the hashtag #CANMNT.

As per Concacaf Gold Cup regulations, Canada will have until  24 hours before their Quarterfinals match to propose any medical replacements in cases of serious injury or illness. Any players proposed as medical replacements must come from the previously announced Concacaf Gold Cup provisional rosters.