Ranko Veselinović
VAN
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Mar 24, 1999 (27)
Right
6'3"
170 lb
Hopeful to train in September
Veselinovic (knee) is progressing well in his recovery and is aiming to resume training with the team in late September, with manager Jesper Sorensen saying "Hopefully, hopefully, I would say so. Things look good at the moment, but we all know how things can change, but hopefully he will be able to do that, yes.", per Har Journalist of Canadian Soccer Daily.
Analysis: Veselinovic is still several weeks away from being available for MLS play, but he's reportedly ahead of schedule while he deals with a serious knee issue. The central defender has missed most of the season due to injuries, but his advanced recovery is at least a positive sign for him and the club. All of Ralph Priso (ankle), Mathias Laborda and Tristan Blackmon will compete for center-back roles until Veselinovic is fit.
Recovery timeline revealed
Veselinovic (knee) is expected to miss around eight to 12 weeks dating back to the injury he sustained in late July, Har Johal of Daily Hive reports.
Analysis: The defender suffered a left knee injury against Minnesota United on July 29, and while no timeline was given at first regarding his potential absence, it has now been revealed that he's in line to miss between two and three months. This means Veselinovic could return sometime between late September and early-to-mid October, depending on his recovery. Ralph Priso, Mathias Laborda and Tristan Blackmon should continue to be in the mix to provide cover at center-back as long as Veselinovic remains sidelined.
Will miss extended time
Veselinovic (knee) will be out "a while," manager Axel Schuster told Har Johal of Canadian Soccer Daily.
Analysis: While no diagnosis has been confirmed and no timetable for his return has been confirmed, Schuster did say the defender will miss considerable time. The defender has barely made his presence felt at the back for the Whitecaps, making just four appearances (one start) so far in 2026.
Suffers left knee injury
Veselinovic suffered a left knee injury during Saturday's draw against Minnesota United, according to Sarita Patel.
Analysis: Veselinovic's severity and recovery timeline will be determined after consultation with a specialist and further evaluation in the coming days. The setback adds to a season already marked by injury concerns for the defender, who had missed a couple of months earlier in the year with a severe knee issue before Saturday marked his first start of the campaign. Mathias Laborda would be a candidate to rejoin Tristan Blackmon in central defense if Veselinovic is sidelined for an extended period.
Forced off Saturday
Veselinovic was unable to continue after picking up a leg issue in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Minnesota United, Har Journalist of Canadian Soccer Daily reports.
Analysis: Veselinovic's exit added yet another injury concern to a Whitecaps side that has struggled in that aspect throughout the season. The defender had already missed a couple of months at the beginning of the year while recovering from a severe knee issue, and Saturday's match marked his first start of the campaign. While his status is now in doubt, he could be ruled out for a few weeks of he's dealing with a muscular problem. In that case, Mathias Laborda would be expected to rejoin Tristan Blackmon in the middle of the defense.
On bench against Rapids
Veselinovic (knee) is on the bench for Saturday's game versus Colorado Rapids.
Analysis: Veselinovic has increased his workload in training recently and is finally able to play a role after recovering from a serious ACL injury. While he's unlikely to start in the short term, the defender will likely be gradually reintroduced to the rotation, threatening Tristan Blackmon's and Mathias Laborda's positions. Last season, the Serbian averaged 4.4 clearances and 1.0 interceptions per game.
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