Canada's WWC squad: Desiree Scott ruled out, Olivia Smith, 18, called up

Desiree Scott, who's played in each of the last three World Cups, has been ruled out of this month's tournament because of a long-term knee injury.

Canada Soccer confirmed Scott's absence Sunday after announcing the 23 players who will represent the country at the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Scott, a veteran of the program with 186 international appearances, hasn't played since suffering a knee injury late last year.

Longtime forward Janine Beckie and up-and-coming defender Jade Rose were also ruled out with injuries. Beckie underwent knee surgery after tearing her ACL in March. Rose was only recently forced to withdraw due to an injury in training.

There was some good news. Nichelle Prince, the 28-year-old forward who ruptured her Achilles in November, recovered in time to receive a call-up. Eighteen-year-old midfielder Olivia Smith, who reportedly signed a deal with a "top European club," earned a surprise call-up as well.

Christine Sinclair, the most prolific player in women's international soccer, will lead Canada as captain in what's expected to be her last World Cup.

Canada opens its tournament July 20 against Nigeria before facing Republic of Ireland on July 26 and Australia on July 31.

Canada's Women's World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Sabrina D'Angelo (Arsenal), Lysianne Proulx (SCU Torreense), Kailen Sheridan (San Diego Wave)

Defenders: Kadeisha Buchanan (Chelsea), Gabrielle Carle (Washington Spirit), Allysha Chapman (Houston Dash), Vanessa Gilles (Lyon), Ashley Lawrence (Chelsea), Jayde Riviere (Manchester United), Shelina Zadorsky (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Simi Awujo (USC Trojans), Jesse Fleming (Chelsea), Julia Grosso (Juventus), Quinn (OL Reign), Sophie Schmidt (Houston Dash), Olivia Smith (free agent)

Forwards: Jordyn Huitema (OL Reign), Cloe Lacasse (Arsenal), Adriana Leon (Manchester United), Nichelle Prince (Houston Dash), Deanne Rose (free agent), Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorn), Evelyne Viens (Kristianstad)