Ranko Veselinovic Injury: Aims return in first half of season

Veselinovic (knee) will travel with the team for the pre-season training camp in Spain and is aiming a return for the first half of the 2026 MLS season, CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster said in a press conference, according to Har Journalist. "I don't want to put the pressure on any of them that they are ready for the start of the season. We expect both to be back in the first half of the season."

Veselinovic suffered an ACL tear back in July against St. Louis and has since then been recovering from the issue. The center-back is progressing well in his rehabilitation since he is set to join the team for the pre-season training camp in Spain with the aim to be back available for the first part of the season. Veselinovic was an undisputed starter in the backline for the Whitecaps prior to his injury and will likely claim a similar role once fully back fit if he can find back his level after such a long injury.