Canadian women relaxed ahead of World Cup opener but still face some injury issues

Canada looked relaxed at training Wednesday ahead of its FIFA Women's World Cup opener against Nigeria, although several players appeared to be working at their own pace.

Midfielder Jessie Fleming was mostly a spectator in the portion of the morning practice open to the media at a local soccer club. And forwards Deanne Rose and Nichelle Prince, who are both returning from Achilles injuries, worked out on their own under the direction of a trainer.

"A few players are on their own individual plan," said Canada coach Bev Priestman, downplaying an injury question. "Today was a light day. You would have seen Deanne, Nichelle doing some specific work on their rehab. So yeah, I think Jessie should be fine."

One hopes so.

Fleming is one of Canada's most important cogs. The 25-year-old Chelsea midfielder, at her third World Cap with 115 caps and 19 goals on her Canada resume, makes things happen.

WATCH | Fleming could be key to Canada's success:

The seventh-ranked Canadians open play Thursday night (10:30 p.m. ET) against No. 40 Nigeria at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

Injuries have dogged Canada in the lead-up to the tournament. The hope was that storyline was done.

The injuries have slowed Canada's momentum.

The Canadian women had won five straight going into their final match of 2022 when Prince was taken off in a stretcher in a 2-1 loss to Brazil in November in Sao Paulo.

"We've got a teammate out. We stick together. I need you to stick together," Priestman told her team in a post-match huddle after the Brazil game.

WATCH | The journey from Olympic gold to the World Cup:

Canada has gone 3-1-0 this year, scoring just three goals. Three of those games were at the SheBelieves Cup in the U.S. in February when the