VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Canada midfielder Ismael Kone had surgery after breaking the tibia and fibula in his left leg at the World Cup.
The 24-year-old Kone, coming off his first season with Italian club Sassuolo, was hurt during a tackle from behind by Assim Madibo during the 51st minute of the 6-0 win over Qatar.
The Canada Soccer Association said that Kone had surgery Thursday night.
Madibo received a red card. He apologized in person to Koné after the game.
“You can´t even imagine how grateful I am to everyone who reached out and that has me in their prayers,” Kone posted on Instagram.
“To Canadian brothers, as I turned myself into (an) assistant coach to support you from the sideline. I wanted you to know that I love you guys from the bottom of my heart and our brotherhood is everything to me,” he added according to AP.
“What you guys did will stay with me forever. I´ll be back very soon and we´ll keep making more memories together.”
