Canada are set to be without one of their most talented players for the rest of the Copa America after Tajon Buchanan suffered a serious injury.
Canada Soccer announced over their social media accounts on Tuesday that wingback Buchanan was taken to a hospital after suffering a lower-leg injury during a training session.
Updates from reporters close to the CanMNT camp said that practice was canceled after the injury.
Buchanan played in all three of Canada's group-stage games at the 2024 Copa America, starting in the opening 2-0 defeat to Argentina, before coming off the bench in the last two games — including the draw with Chile that sealed their passaged to the quarterfinals, where they will face Venezuela on Friday.
The 25-year-old, who plays his club soccer for Inter Milan in Italy, has already amassed 41 caps in his career.
What is Tajon Buchanan's injury at Copa America 2024?
Canada Soccer announced that Buchanan suffered a lower-leg injury. TSN reporter Matthew Scianitti provided more information in the immediate hours after the incident.
Tajon Buchanan has suffered an injury to his tibia (shinbone). It is not known yet if he requires surgery. Buchanan's club, Inter Milan, have been notified @TSN_Sports @TSNSoccer
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) July 2, 2024
Buchanan's Copa America is over, with Canada later confirming that the player underwent surgery on Wednesday to "repair a fractured tibia". Canada tweeted their support for the Inter Milan star.
We’re all with you Tajon ❤️ //
— CANMNT (@CANMNT_Official) July 2, 2024
Nous sommes tous avec toi, Tajon ❤️#CANMNT pic.twitter.com/lNoh4WuWtf
After joining Inter last winter, Buchanan was on the verge of getting a full preseason with his Italian club and pushing for a place in the starting lineup. Instead, he might be forced to wait for his chance until we are well into the 2024/25 season.
