Ryan Gauld

Gauld played one half in managed minutes during Wednesday's 4-1 victory over Cavalry FC in the Canadian Championship, coming off at the break, with coach Jesper Sorensen confirming his workload is being carefully controlled as he works his way back from a knee injury, according to AFTN Canada.

Analysis: Gauld's return marks his first game action since being sidelined for the opening months of the calendar year, and the managed approach suggests Vancouver is being cautious rather than rushing him back to a full workload. He is expected to regain his spot as an undisputed starter once he builds up to full match fitness, giving the Whitecaps attack a significant boost once he is ready for a complete 90 minutes. Until then, expect his minutes to be gradually increased over the coming matches as he continues working toward a return to the regular lineup.

May 22, 2026

Still working on fitness

Gauld (knee) has made progress in his rehabilitation but still needs more training sessions with the team to be able to play, with coach Jesper Sorensen saying "Ryan needs more of a football-based training, a normal training [other] than just running around the pitch. You can see he's close to getting ready to play. He will have to catch up ground when the break is here. Hopefully, when he comes back, he will be ready to have a normal preseason working towards the rest of the season." Har Johal of Daily Hive reports.

Analysis: Gauld is now targeting a return after the World Cup break after seeing no action over the first five months of the calendar year. His eventual comeback could strengthen a Whitecaps attack that is now without Emmanuel Sabbi (groin) and may turn to Kenji Cabrera and Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly on the wings in the short term.