The long-awaited return of Alphonso Davies is in doubt, as the Bayern Munich teenage phenom has picked up a knock and is highly unlikely to be a part of Canada Soccer’s upcoming match vs French Guiana.
The CONCACAF Nations League qualifying play is happening Sunday, March 24 at BC Place Stadium.
The former Vancouver Whitecaps FC product picked up an undisclosed injury believed to be a quad strain on Sunday, while celebrating his first goal with Bayern Munich.
Daily Hive spoke to a Canada Soccer spokesperson who says Davies felt something during Bayern’s 6-0 win over Mainz. He continued playing, scored a goal, and it wasn’t until post-match that his injury flared up again.
Coach John Herdman and Canada Soccer remain in dialogue with Bayern Munich as both club and country gather further information. The door hasn’t completely shut on Davies, but at this point his return is hanging by a thread and remains unknown.
See also
Canada Soccer made a trio of roster moves this afternoon and replaced Davies, midfielders Scott Arfield (quad strain), and Will Johnson (concussion), with Jay Chapman, Liam Fraser & Kamal Miller.
#CANMNT squad updates:
Out: Scott Arfield, Alphonso Davies, Will Johnson
đ
In: Jay Chapman, Liam Fraser & Kamal Miller pic.twitter.com/7WmozrMT9J
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 18, 2019
The 18-year-old Davies, was welcomed in by a Vancouver fan base who watched him blossom into a star with Whitecaps FC. His January move to Bayern was at the time an MLS-record US$22 million transfer.
Vancouver Southsiders, Vice-President, Paul Sabourin-Hertzog, released a statement to Daily Hive.
“We’re disappointed not to be able to welcome Alphonso back to BC Place, but we know that we’ll get to be able to do so soon. Him scoring his first goal for Bayern this weekend was another milestone on what we’re sure will be a long and successful career at both the club and international level. There will be other games for us to sing for him.”
Happy to get my first goal todayđȘđŸ #AD19 pic.twitter.com/BW0iImbbyY
— Alphonso Davies (@AlphonsoDavies) March 17, 2019
This Sunday afternoon was going to be an opportunity for fans to welcome back the boy wonder they watched develop, and grow up on and off the pitch. Now, that’s likely off the table.
In 65 MLS games with Vancouver, Davies scored 8 goals, and added 12 assists. On many nights he was the lone bright spot for Whitecaps FC. He electrified, and dazzled the B.C. Place crowd whenever he had a burst of speed down the flanks.
79th ranked Canada Soccer will have to re-group as Davies availability is extremely clouded.
Follow Channels and Categories