Whitecaps defender Adekugbe’s injury suffered on Canada duty diagnosed as torn Achilles

Vancouver Whitecaps defender Sam Adekugbe suffered a devastating injury during the Canadian Shield Tournament, tearing his Achilles tendon while playing for Canada. The injury occurred during the penalty shootout loss to Ivory Coast at Toronto’s BMO Field, forcing Adekugbe to be helped off the field in the 81st minute.

As a result of his injury, Adekugbe has been replaced by Zorhan Bassong from Sporting Kansas City on Jesse Marsch’s CONCACAF Gold Cup roster. Adekugbe, who has won 43 caps for Canada and was part of the 2022 World Cup squad, has faced numerous injury setbacks throughout his career. This latest setback is a blow to the 30-year-old defender, who had recently returned to the Whitecaps after recovering from a leg injury earlier in the season.

Canada, ranked 30th in the world, is set to kick off their Gold Cup campaign against Honduras in Vancouver before facing Curacao and El Salvador in Houston. Adekugbe’s absence will be felt, but the team will look to regroup and put forth a strong performance in his absence.

Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster expressed his support for Adekugbe, praising his dedication and resilience in his journey back to full fitness. The team will stand behind Adekugbe as he begins his road to recovery and will provide him with the support he needs during this challenging time.

Adekugbe, who has scored three goals in 12 appearances for Vancouver this year, has had a tumultuous career that has seen him play in various countries, including Turkey and Norway. Born in London and raised in Manchester before moving to Calgary at a young age, Adekugbe eventually found his way to Vancouver to join the Whitecaps residency program.

Despite facing setbacks and spending time on loan at clubs like Brighton and IFK Goteborg, Adekugbe has shown resilience and determination throughout his career. As he begins his recovery from this latest injury, the entire Whitecaps organization is behind him, supporting him every step of the way.