Midfielder Jessie Fleming was limited at practice on Tuesday as Canada continues to prepare for their FIFA Women’s World Cup opener against Nigeria.
Warmups at #CanWNT practice have been underway for about 15mins & midfielder Jesse Fleming isn’t participating, instead sitting on the bench.
— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) July 19, 2023
She was the first one out at training, then spoke with Bev Priestman and a trainer. Fleming stretched/foam rolled on a mat but that’s it… pic.twitter.com/TpaXIRHHPO
Fleming was the first outfield player to arrive at the training grounds, where she spoke with head coach Bev Priestman and a member of the training staff before going through some stretching exercises, according to TSN's Claire Hanna.
As the team started participating in activation-type activities such as stretching while moving and sprints, the 25-year-old sat on a bench and did not take part.
Practice was closed to the media, following the session, Priestman said that Fleming "just felt something" and that the medical staff "took it down a notch" for her and are "building her up to ensure she’s ready.”
Bev Priestman says Jessie Fleming “just felt something”.
— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) July 19, 2023
Priestman says it was “a light day for everyone” and the staff “took it down a notch” for Fleming.
The medical team is “building her up to ensure she’s ready.” #CanWNT #Can #Fifawwc
She also noted that it was a "light day" for the entire team.
Fellow midfielder Quinn discussed how Canada might adjust if Fleming misses any of the preliminary round.
"We're still doing the same things. We have a lot of quality in our midfield...you know, she'll be on the pitch and we're happy to have her in, and then we're happy as well with other quality that we bring (should she not play)."
On Monday, Fleming and fellow midfielder Sophie Schmidt did not participate in all of the team’s drills and instead were on the side doing their own sprints and activations.
The head coach was asked about Fleming’s status for Thursday’s opening match after practice on Monday and responded that there was “no doubt” she would be available.
Fleming took part in portions of training Monday. TSN asked Priestman about her status on Monday and the HC said there was “no doubt” she’d be available for their opening match against Nigeria.
— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) July 19, 2023
Practice was closed to media Tuesday. #CanWNT
Fleming has made 115 appearances for the Canadian national women’s team and has 19 goals and six assists.
