Winger Jacob Shaffelburg slated for surgery, will miss Canada camp in California

Canadian winger Jacob Shaffelburg will undergo surgery Friday “to address a degenerative condition,” according to Los Angeles FC.

The MLS side said the recovery timeline is approximately eight weeks, adding the procedure “is intended to fully resolve the issue and best position Shaffelburg to be ready for the 2026 season.”

The 26-year-old from Port Williams, N.S., had been called into Canada coach Jesse Marsch’s January camp in California. Canada Soccer said he will be replaced by Toronto FC winger Malik Henry.

Shaffelburg, acquired by LAFC in a Dec. 29 trade that netted Nashville SC US$ 1 million in general allocation money, has six goals and one assist in 31 appearances for Canada (including 12 starts).

The Canadian camp runs through Jan. 18 in Irvine with a friendly against No. 94 Guatemala on Jan. 17 at BMO Stadium, the home of LAFC.

It’s the first meeting between the two since Guatemala ended Canada’s Gold Cup last June in Minneapolis in a quarterfinal penalty shootout. Shaffelburg was sent off in first-half stoppage time in that game.

Henry has represented Canada at the under-15 level. Now 23, the Hamilton native signed a first-team contract with Toronto last August.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2026.