Why Sheffield Wednesday target Ike Ugbo has been left out of Canada’s 2024 Copa America squad

The forward played against Costa Rica before being named in their 2022 World Cup squad.

Since then, Ugbo has collected nine caps but is yet to score a goal for the national team.

The 25-year-old has not made an appearance for Canada since 2022, but his loan move to Sheffield Wednesday caught the eye of former interim head coach Mauro Biello.

After notching seven goal contributions in his last eight games for the Owls, Ugbo returned to Canada’s squad and started in a 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago.

After an impressive display at Hillsborough, Ugbo was expected to be part of Canada’s Copa America squad.

However, it was confirmed yesterday that the striker has been left out.

Ike Ugbo chose not to go to the Copa America this summer

While many were surprised by his omission, Jesse Marsch has now explained why he was not named in the squad.

Journalist Ben Steiner wrote on X: “I asked Jesse Marsch why Ike Ugbo was left off the #CanMNT Copa roster. He says it was Ugbo’s choice to rest.

‘He was invited and decided, for personal reasons, to take a break. He just felt it was right for him. We had a long conversation. I respect his decision.”

What does it mean for Sheffield Wednesday?

It is a very surprising decision by Ike Ugbo who had just managed to force his way back into the national team.

The Copa America could have been a huge chance for the striker to put his name on the international stage and also push for a bigger move if he had been able to impress in the United States.

The forward just completed one of his best returns for a season and could very well have been a real star for Canada.

There is obviously a good reason why Ugbo decided to retire, but journalist Joe Crann has claimed that he is likely to return to the team in September.

However, it could make a deal for Sheffield Wednesday more likely, with his exit from Troyes unlikely to have happened until after the summer tournament.

They will still face stiff competition for his signature, although he could cost a lot less than if he scored a few goals at the Copa America.

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