TORONTO (AP) — Canada has added a friendly in Bahrain on Nov. 11 to its World Cup preparation schedule.

The Canadian team, ranked 41st by FIFA, will face Bahrain (85th) in Manama, before a previously scheduled duel: November 17 against Japan (24th) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Many European players have meetings with their clubs on November 12-13, but MLS players will be available for the meeting in Bahrain. Toronto, the team of Jonathan Osorio, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Richie Laryea and Doneil Henry, last played Oct. 9.

“There’s fitness and fitness for soccer,” Canadian coach John Herdman acknowledged Thursday. “Those are two different things. So the pace and the intensity of the match is key to be ready to face the teams we will see.

“This match against Bahrain certainly gives players who have been out of season or had obstacles playing for their teams a chance to come on, to earn some valuable international minutes, knowing that for some it’s like pre-season. “It’s an important duel for us. Really important for players who need extra experience before facing Japan.”

Players are due to report to camp in Bahrain on November 4-5.

Preparing for their first World Cup since 1986, Canada open Group F against second-placed Belgium on November 23, face No. 12 Croatia four days later and close the group against second-placed Morocco on December 1. .

Osorio, who suffers from post-concussion syndrome, has only played 18 minutes since the start on August 20 against Miami. Captain Atiba Hutchinson is back in training after suffering a bone injury in a pre-season match for Turkey’s Beskitas. David Wotherspoon, who plays for St Johnstone in Scotland, is back after 10 months away due to knee surgery.