Canadian midfielder Tajon Buchanan had to be taken to hospital after sustaining an injury to his lower leg on Tuesday while training for the Copa América quarterfinals with the men’s national soccer team.
The team is preparing to face Venezuela in the quarterfinals on Friday — the first time Canada has advanced out of the group stage of the Copa América, which is a South American tournament with guest teams.
Buchanan, 25, has been capped 40 times by Canada, scoring four times, and has featured in all three games at the Copa — both as a starter and off the bench.
In the last two years the native of Brampton, Ont., has gone from playing in the MLS (New England Revolution), to the Belgian league (Club Brugge) to a January transfer to Inter Milan of Italy’s Serie A.
Canada finished second in Group A at the Copa with a 1-1-1 record, scoring just once, and will face Group B winners Venezuela on Friday in Arlington, Texas, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
Venezuela is currently 54th in FIFA’s world rankings, compared to Canada’s 48th, but has only lost once this year (2-1 to Italy in a friendly) and is undefeated at the Copa (3-0-0), having beaten Ecuador, Mexico and Jamaica.
Tajon Buchanan, a rising star on Canada’s national soccer team, has been hospitalized following an injury sustained during a match at the Copa America tournament. The 22-year-old forward was playing for Canada in their group stage match against Ecuador when he suffered a serious knee injury that forced him to be stretchered off the field.
Buchanan, who plays for New England Revolution in Major League Soccer, has been a key player for Canada in recent years and was expected to play a significant role in their Copa America campaign. His absence will be a major blow to the team as they look to make a strong showing in the prestigious South American tournament.
The exact nature and severity of Buchanan’s injury have not been disclosed, but reports indicate that he will undergo further evaluation and treatment in the coming days. The Canadian Soccer Association has issued a statement expressing their support for Buchanan and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Buchanan’s injury serves as a reminder of the physical toll that professional athletes face, especially when competing at the highest levels of international competition. It also highlights the risks that players take every time they step onto the field, knowing that an injury could potentially derail their career or impact their team’s performance.
Despite this setback, Buchanan remains a promising talent with a bright future ahead of him. His determination and resilience will undoubtedly help him overcome this injury and return to the field stronger than ever. In the meantime, fans and teammates alike are sending their thoughts and well wishes to Buchanan as he begins his recovery journey.