Haiti’s national soccer team will face the World Cup without one of their midfielders after Leverton Pierre sustained an injury that has ended his tournament hopes.
The Haitian Football Federation announced Thursday that Pierre suffered damage to his right adductor muscle, forcing him out of competition. “Leverton Pierre will not be able to play in the World Cup after the medical team detected an injury to his right adductor,” the federation stated.
To fill the roster spot, Haiti has selected centre-back Garven Metusala, who competes for Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the USL Championship, the second tier of American professional soccer.
Haiti’s World Cup campaign begins Saturday when they take on Scotland in their opening Group C contest. The team will also face five-time world champions Brazil and Morocco during group stage play.
This marks Haiti’s second World Cup appearance, with their previous participation dating back to 1974.
