Ali Ahmed
LW
One-v-One Creator
Oct 10, 2000 (25)
Right
5'11"
154 lb
Sends two crosses in loss
Ahmed had two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-0 defeat versus Morocco.
Analysis: Ahmed was unable to make a big impact on the left side of Canada's attack, but to be fair, he had the tough task of dealing with Achraf Hakimi. Ahmed earned a starting role after an impressive cameo against Bosnia in the opener, and he ended up starting in three of his four World Cup appearances. He had three chances created and 13 crosses in four outings (three starts).
Eight crosses in 6-0 win
Ahmed recorded one shot (zero on goal), eight crosses (three accurate) and two corners in Thursday's 6-0 victory against Qatar.
Analysis: Ahmed started the second game in the World Cup, having impressed from the bench in the first game. He completed three of his eight crosses and took two corners in the match. The winger also drew a foul in the game, while making two interceptions.
Injects pace off bench
Ahmed recorded two crosses (zero accurate) and one tackle in Friday's 1-1 draw versus Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Analysis: Ahmed was active off the bench and provided a spark on the left wing. He could compete with Liam Millar for playing time as the left wide midfielder if Canada sticks with a 4-4-2 approach, but he certainly left a good impression on his 29-minute cameo.
Returns to full training
Ahmed (hamstring) returned to full training during Canada's World Cup session, according to Joshua Kloke of TheAthletic.
Analysis: Ahmed's return to full training is a timely development after being left out of Friday's friendly against Ireland as the coaching staff managed his recovery carefully. The left-back's availability for Canada's World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 now looks considerably more positive, with his return to the main group session suggesting he is on track to be considered for selection. Liam Millar had been in line to start on the left flank should Ahmed be unable to prove his fitness in time.
Left out of squad Friday
Ahmed (hamstring) was not included in Canada's squad for Friday's 1-1 draw against Ireland as he continues his recovery from the hamstring injury.
Analysis: Ahmed had been targeting the Ireland friendly as a potential return date but the coaching staff opted against rushing him back before he is fully ready. His availability for Canada's World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 will now be the primary target, with the federation monitoring his condition closely over the coming days. If he can't be deemed fit to feature for that clash, Liam Millar has impressed during friendlies and is set to start on the left flank.
Does modified training
Ahmed (hamstring) is back in modified training with Team Canada, according to Joshua Kloke of The Athletic.
Analysis: Ahmed is seeing more improvements this week, as the attacker was able to be involved in some modified training with other injured players. This continues his recovery as he looks to be fit for the World Cup. Canada does have a few friendlies ahead, with Ahmed looking to be fit by their friendly on June 5 against Ireland.
Aims return against Ireland
Ahmed (hamstring) is unlikely to feature in Canada's first pre-tournament friendly but is hopeful of being available for the second fixture against Ireland on June 5, according to One Soccer. "I don't think I'll be ready to play the first friendly but I think the hope is to be in the second."
Analysis: Ahmed is dealing with a hamstring issue for the first time in his career after being forced off in the final Championship match against Hull City, making the injury particularly unfamiliar territory for the Norwich City winger. The Canadian attacker is trending in the right direction according to coach Jesse Marsch and is expected to return in the second friendly against Ireland and be available for the World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 if his recovery continues on schedule, with Liam Millar or Jayden Nelson available to cover if he faces any setbacks over the coming days.
Aiming to recover for World Cup
Ahmed (undisclosed) could be available for international duty with Canada as coach Jesse Marsch said he's "trending in a good way" ahead of their June 12 debut, Ben Steiner of Sports Illustrated reports.
Analysis: Ahmed is questionable after getting hurt in the final match of the English Championship against Hull City. He's a strong candidate to feature on the left wing for his country, but if he's eventually ruled out, that place could be covered by either Liam Millar or Jayden Nelson. The Norwich City man will hope to be available if he continues to avoid any setback in the next couple of weeks.
Forced off in season finale
Ahmed (undisclosed) was forced off at halftime of last Saturday's 2-1 loss to Hull City after picking up an issue late in the first half, sparking concern heading into the World Cup with Canada, according to Canadian Soccer Daily.
Analysis: Ahmed was spotted limping after the final whistle and onto the team bus, raising alarm bells for both Norwich and the Canadian national team with the tournament just one month away. The midfielder had featured in 19 of Norwich's EFL Championship fixtures this season, scoring four times and delivering three assists, having been one of the standout performers in the division since joining the club. Canada open their World Cup campaign on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto, making the nature and severity of this injury a matter of urgent concern for coach Jesse Marsch as he finalizes his squad preparations.
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