Veteran defender Gilles to miss Canada friendlies against Denmark with injury

Veteran defender Gilles to miss Canada friendlies against Denmark with injury

Women's national team stalwart suffered a muscle injury with Bayern Munich

Veteran Canadian defender Vanessa Gilles will miss a pair of upcoming women's soccer friendlies against Denmark after suffering a muscle injury with Bayern Munich.

The 30-year-old Olympic champion has made 63 appearances for Canada and was named Canada Soccer's women's player of the year in 2024.

Washington Spirit defender Élisabeth Tsé has been called up to replace Gilles. The ninth-ranked Canadians host No. 12 Denmark next Friday at Stade Saputo in Montreal before the teams meet again Oct. 12 at BMO Field in Toronto.

Canada's Vanessa Gilles ready to hunt for soccer trophies with new club Bayern Munich

The matches are Canada's final preparation window before the CONCACAF W Championship, where it will face Panama in the quarterfinals on Nov. 28.

The tournament serves as a qualifier for both the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.