World Cup foundation: Canada get “final”-level test vs. Uruguay

Given that Uruguay tend to use a similar 4-3-3 setup as Croatia, one of Canada’s three Group F foes this fall, it’s understandable that Herdman wants to approach this game like it’s a World Cup match. Therefore, it’s unlikely he’ll tinker too much with his lineup from Friday’s victory.

The back four of Alistair Johnston, Steven Vitoria, Kamal Miller and Sam Adekugbe should remain the same. Stephen Eustaquio and Alphonso Davies – who is fit following a brief injury scare versus Qatar – are arguably Canada’s two most important players and will be leaned on in this game. Jonathan David and Cyle Larin are coming off strong showings, so they should partner with each other up front.

The only likely changes are in midfield and on the right wing. Samuel Piette was excellent next to Eustaquio versus Qatar, but so was Ismaël Koné when he replaced his CF Montréal teammate at the hour mark.

Junior Hoilett was equally impressive on the right flank. Tajon Buchanan’s return throws a wrench into Hoilett’s chances, though. Buchanan has been nursing a quad injury since late July and has yet to play for Club Brugge this season.

Brugge and Canada Soccer worked collaboratively on Buchanan’s recovery in order to prepare him for this camp, which involved many hurdles along the way.

“It was super hard because, honestly, I did not believe the injury was going to be that long and when you’re missing those games, it gets to you,” the former New England Revolution standout after training on Sunday. “Ever since then, it’s been an up-and-down journey. I tried to come back in training and hurt it again, so it was a tough period, but I am good now and ready to play some games.”

​​“I think Brugge have done a good job the last few weeks getting him ready to return to play,” Herdman said. “For a player, it takes time to trust your body again [after an injury]. He had some good moments [Sunday] and he fit right back into our structure.”

Herdman did state that Buchanan would receive “very limited minutes” when the roster for the international window was announced on Sept. 16. But having trained with Brugge and played in a friendly before joining the CanMNT, he’s seemingly progressed to a stage where he could see more playing time.

Buchanan has picked up four goals and six assists in 24 caps, a remarkable haul for a player who didn’t debut for the national team until June 2021. It’s a meteoric rise if there ever was one.

If Buchanan isn’t risked on Tuesday, Hoilett is a reliable veteran who can link play and provide a bit of cover in midfield if Canada stick with their double pivot. Alternatively, Richie Laryea is a dynamo on the right and can provide extra solidity at the back.