Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné has thanked his teammates and fans for their support after undergoing surgery on a broken leg.
The 24-year-old was injured in the World Cup co-hosts’ 6-0 win over Qatar on Thursday, after a late challenge from Assim Madibo. Players from both sides looked shaken as Koné received extensive treatment. The former Watford player, now at Sassuolo, waved to the crowd as he was taken off on a stretcher.
Canada Soccer confirmed he will miss the rest of the tournament but is expected to make a full recovery.
In a message on Instagram, Koné said he’s deeply grateful for the love and support he’s received, thanked everyone who reached out and kept him in their prayers, and told his teammates their brotherhood means everything. He vowed to be back soon to create more memories together.
Canada’s final Group B match is against Switzerland on 24 June (20:00 BST).