News Focus
- Alphonso Davies is recovering from a muscle injury he suffered earlier this month
- The Bayern Munich star will stay in Germany for special medical treatment until May 31
- Canada coach Jesse Marsch expects Davies to miss the opening match against Bosnia & Herzegovina on June 12
- The defender will join the national team in Edmonton after completing his rehabilitation with Bayern
Canada captain Alphonso Davies faces a race against time to recover from a muscle injury ahead of the World Cup. The Bayern Munich left-back picked up the problem earlier this month and is currently undergoing treatment in Germany.
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has now given an update on the situation. He believes the 24-year-old will play at the tournament. However, he does not think Davies will be ready for the team’s first match against Bosnia & Herzegovina on June 12.
“I think Alphonso will play in the World Cup,” Marsch told ESPN. “But I don’t think he will be fit enough for the match on June 12. We will have to wait and see.”
The coach explained that Davies will remain in Germany until the end of May to continue his recovery with Bayern Munich. He will only link up with the Canada squad after this period.
“Bayern has special medical equipment and methods in Germany that we cannot get in North America,” Marsch said. “They have advanced techniques that will help him recover faster. That is why we decided he should stay there.”
Marsch also praised the German club for their support. He said Bayern want Davies to play at the World Cup and understand that helping players prepare for international duty is important.
The player is expected to arrive in Edmonton on May 31. “We agreed with Bayern that he should finish his main treatment by the 28th. Then he will have a short break before joining us on the 31st. We will continue his rehabilitation from there and try to get him ready for the tournament,” Marsch added.