The latest squad for Canada’s upcoming friendlies against Mauritania and Morocco has been announced by interim coach Michael Findlay, and there is one notable absentee.
Atiba Hutchinson, who has not addressed his international future, is not on the roster for the October friendlies.
The Besiktas midfielder was coy when asked about his national team future after Canada’s recent elimination from World Cup qualifying, indicating that he may step down after a 13-year international career.
Another big absentee is forward Cyle Larin. Orlando City is five points adrift of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and are virtually eliminated, so Larin’s omission comes as a slight surprise.
Toronto FC midfielder Will Johnson has also been left off of the roster due to injury. Johnson’s teammate Jay Chapman, Sam Adekudge, Ben McKendry, Michael Petrasso and Russell Teibert were all invited to camp, but declined for the same reason.
There are a couple of noteworthy inclusions, including TFC midfielder Jonathan Osorio, who has been in exile since the 2015 Gold Cup. Fraser Aird, Anthony Jackson-Hamel and Maxime Tissot are also receiving their first call-ups of 2016.
“It will be a vibrant and positive environment for training, competition, and learning,” said Findlay. “Through our ongoing relationship and integration with our Men’s EXCEL Program, we have an exciting group of young players who will begin to solidify their spots for years to come.”
Based on the age of the squad, that seems to be Findlay’s plan. Aird (21) and Jackson-Hamel (23) are two of seven players who are aged 23 and under in the squad. Marco Bustos (20), Jordan Hamilton (20), Samuel Piette (21), Doneil Henry (23), and Manjrekar James (23) are the other five. Those youngsters will be accompanied by veterans such as Kenny Stamatopoulos, Marcel De Jong, David Edgar, Adam Straith and Tosaint Ricketts.
Four Vancouver Whitecaps players were called up, more than any other club. Toronto FC has three members on the squad, while Jackson-Hamel is the Impact’s lone representative.
Canada plays Mauritania on Oct. 7 and Morocco on Oct. 11. Both games are in Marrakech.
CANADA’S ROSTER
1- GK- Simon Thomas | NOR / FK Bodø/Glimt
2- FB / M- Fraser Aird | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
3- FB / M- Maxim Tissot | CAN / Ottawa Fury FC
4- CB- Manjrekar James | HUN / Vasas Budapest
5- CB- David Edgar | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
6- CB- Doneil Henry | DEN / AC Horsens
7- F- Simeon Jackson | ENG / Walsall FC
8- M- Marco Bustos | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
9- F- Marcus Haber
10- M- David Junior Hoilett
11- M- Tosaint Ricketts | CAN / Toronto FC
12- FB / M- Jamar Dixon | CAN / Ottawa Fury FC
13- M- Jonathan Osorio | CAN / Toronto FC
14- M- Samuel Piette | ESP / CD Izarra
15- M- Adam Straith | NOR / Fredrikstad FK
16- M- Scott Arfield | ENG / Burnley FC
17- FB- Marcel De Jong | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
18- GK- Milan Borjan | BUL / PFK Ludogorets Razgrad
19- CB- Steven Vitória | POL / Lechia Gdańsk
20- CB / FB- Karl W. Ouimette | USA / Jacksonville Armada
21- M / F- Jordan Hamilton | CAN / Toronto FC
22- GK- Kenny Stamatopoulos | SWE / AIK Fotbol
23- M / F- Anthony Jackson-Hamel | CAN / Impact Montréal