Ali Ahmed's Road to the World Cup
Ali Ahmed has eased injury fears by taking a big step towards featuring at a home World Cup for Canada after being included in Jesse Marsch's training camp ahead of two key preparation matches.
There was worry for the Norwich City wide man after he limped out of their final Championship game of the season at half-time against Hull with a hamstring issue.
Training Camp Ahead of Key Matches
Ahmed subsequently returned to Canada to continue his rehab and is now in contention to feature for his country in warm-up games against Uzbekistan and the Republic of Ireland following a training camp in Charlotte.
City's winger is part of a 32-man group that will be handed a final chance to impress Marsch ahead of the squad being trimmed to 26 players, set to be announced on Friday. Canada will kick off their World Cup campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12.
"These are the final days before we announce the squad that will represent Canada at a home World Cup, and the excitement in this group is real," Marsch told Canada's official channels.
Ahmed's Impact and Future Prospects
Ahmed is hoping to take his form over the second half of the Championship season onto football's biggest stage, with Canada hoping to make their home advantage count in the competition next month.
City swooped for the 25-year-old from MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps in January, and his performances were a key part of the early revival under Philippe Clement, helping the Canaries rise in the Championship table from 23rd to ninth.
Ahmed recorded seven goal contributions in 16 starts after moving to Carrow Road, and is set to be one of five City players to feature at the World Cup this summer.
Anis Ben Slimane for Tunisia and Kenny McLean's inclusion in Scotland's squad have been confirmed, with Mohamed Toure (Australia) and Jose Cordoba (Panama) also expected to play for their respective nations.
The tournament kicks off on Thursday, June 11, when Mexico faces South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. For more details, visit The Pink'un.