Jesse Marsch has now explained why former Sheffield Wednesday striker Ike Ugbo has been left out of Canada’s squad for the Copa America.
After coming up through England’s youth ranks, Ike Ugbo made his international debut for Canada in November 2021 – just months before he had considered changing his allegiance to Nigeria.
The forward featured against Costa Rica, before being named in their squad for the 2022 World Cup.
Ugbo has since racked up nine caps but is yet to score a goal for the national team.
The 25-year-old hadn’t made an appearance for Canada since 2022, but his loan move to Sheffield Wednesday caught the eye of former interim head coach Mauro Biello.
After picking up seven goal contributions in his last eight matches for the Owls, Ugbo returned to the Canada squad and started in a 2-0w in over Trinidad and Tobago.
After an impressive showing at Hillsborough, Ugbo was expected to make Canada’s Copa America squad.
However, it was confirmed yesterday that the striker had been left out.
Ike Ugbo chose not to go to Copa America this summer
While many were surprised by his omission, Jesse Marsch has now explained why he wasn’t named in the squad.
Journalist Ben Steiner wrote on X: “I asked Jesse Marsch on why Ike Ugbo was left off the #CanMNT Copa roster. He says it was Ugbo’s choice to rest.
‘He was invited and decided, for personal reasons, to take a break. He just felt it was right for him. We had a long conversation. I respect his decision.’”
What does it mean for Sheffield Wednesday?
The attacker has just concluded one of his best returns for a season and could well have been a real star for Canada.
There is obviously a good reason why Ugbo decided to step away, but journalist Joe Crann has claimed that he is still likely to return to the squad in September.
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