Derek Cornelius could miss months after Canada injury

Derek Cornelius could be unavailable to Marseille for several months after suffering a hip injury while training with Canada. The setback leaves coach Bruno Genesio with fewer defensive options, even though the centre-back has had a limited role since returning to the club.

Cornelius was injured near the end of a three-team training exercise while contesting the ball with Jonathan David. His knee became stuck in the ground and the movement affected his hip. Canada coach Jesse Marsch said the injury could prove similar to the problem suffered by Union Saint-Gilloise forward Promise David, who needed surgery after a hip injury in late February 2026 and returned to competition in June. Cornelius was taken to hospital after the incident.

The 28-year-old has played only 93 minutes for Marseille this season. His Ligue 1 appearances have come in short spells against Strasbourg, Paris FC and Rennes, while his only start came in the 4-1 Europa League defeat by Besiktas. He returned to Marseille this summer after an unsuccessful loan at Rangers.

Cornelius remains an important Canada player, with 48 international caps and four appearances at the last World Cup. He had hoped to use the current national-team camp to build playing time, but the injury now threatens a lengthy interruption to his club and international commitments.