FORMER Arsenal talent Marcelo Flores’ World Cup dream is in jeopardy after suffering a knee injury.

The winger, 22, switched his international allegiance from Mexico to Canada in March.

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Marcelo Flores was left clutching his knee after appearing to catch his studs in the turf Credit: AFP

The winger’s injury came after being named in Canada’s World Cup squad Credit: Getty

And Flores, who was tipped to be the next Bukayo Saka when he was on Arsenal’s books, bagged a spot in the co-hosts’ squad for the summer extravaganza.

But he is now in a race against time to prove his fitness after being left in agony during Tigres’ Concacaf Champions Cup final against Toluca.

Flores had only been on the pitch for 15 minutes, having come off the bench, before collapsing to the ground in a heap.

The livewire appeared to get his studs caught in the turf and immediately clutched his right knee.

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And, to make matters worse for Flores, Tigres missed out on bagging silverware following a nail-biting penalty shoot-out defeat.

Toluca won 6-5 on spot-kicks after the contest finished 1-1 after extra-time.

Canada chief Jesse Marsch will be fearing the worst just 48 hours on from announcing the 26 stars who made the cut for the World Cup.

Flores could not put any weight on his right leg and needed to be helped off the pitch.

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Flores was spotted screaming in agony Credit: AP

Former Leeds boss Marsch already has star man Alphonso Davies making a desperate attempt to be fit for the group stage opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12.

Flores was only named in Arsenal’s matchday squad ONCE – when they were on the wrong side of a 3-0 thumping against Crystal Palace in April 2022.

Following a loan spell with Real Oviedo, he sealed a permanent switch to Mexican giants Tigres.

And Flores, who has notched four goals this season, made his Canada debut in a draw with Iceland in March.

He was then handed his first start by Marsch for another stalemate with Tunisia.

Canada are preparing to battle it out with Bosnia, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B at the World Cup.