Canadian soccer player Jacob Shaffelburg is set to undergo surgery on Friday to address a degenerative condition, as confirmed by Los Angeles FC. The MLS team mentioned that the recovery process is expected to take around eight weeks and the surgery aims to completely resolve the issue, ensuring Shaffelburg’s readiness for the 2026 season.
Hailing from Port Williams, Nova Scotia, the 26-year-old was included in Canada coach Jesse Marsch’s January camp in California. Canada Soccer announced that Toronto FC winger Malik Henry will step in to replace Shaffelburg during the camp.
Shaffelburg, who was acquired by LAFC in a trade on December 29 that saw Nashville SC receive $1 million in general allocation money, has recorded six goals and one assist in 31 appearances for Canada, including 12 starts.
The Canadian camp, taking place until January 18 in Irvine, will feature a friendly match against the 94th-ranked Guatemala on January 17 at BMO Stadium, the home ground of LAFC. This encounter marks the first meeting between the two teams since Guatemala eliminated Canada from the Gold Cup last June in Minneapolis through a quarterfinal penalty shootout, during which Shaffelburg was red-carded in first-half stoppage time.
Malik Henry, who has previously represented Canada at the under-15 level and is now 23 years old, signed a first-team contract with Toronto FC in August.