Canadian forward Jacob Shaffelburg is scheduled for surgery on Friday to address a degenerative condition, as confirmed by Los Angeles FC. The MLS team stated that the recovery process is expected to take around eight weeks and aims to fully resolve the issue, ensuring Shaffelburg’s readiness for the 2026 season. Originally from Port Williams, N.S., the 26-year-old had been part of Canada coach Jesse Marsch’s January camp in California but will now be replaced by Toronto FC winger Malik Henry, according to Canada Soccer.
LAFC acquired Shaffelburg in a trade on Dec. 29, where Nashville SC received US$1 million in general allocation money. Shaffelburg has recorded six goals and one assist in 31 appearances for Canada, including 12 starts.
The Canadian camp is ongoing until Jan. 18 in Irvine, featuring a friendly match against Guatemala on Jan. 17 at BMO Stadium, the venue 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 received a red card in first-half stoppage time.
Malik Henry, who has previously represented Canada at the under-15 level, is now 23 years old and signed a first-team contract with Toronto in August.
The article can be accessed [here](https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/jacob-shaffelburg-surgery-9.7038629).