Will the biggest men's soccer game to be played on Canadian soil, a much-anticipated match that is rapidly approaching, be without one of this country's most accomplished stars in the sport? It is looking that way for injured captain Alphonso Davies, a letdown for the Edmonton native, the Canadian team and for fans hoping to see him lead the country in Canada's World Cup opener on June 12 in Toronto.
Speaking to reporters in Charlotte, N.C., where Team Canada began its final World Cup training camp on Monday, coach Jesse Marsch expressed confidence that Davies will be a participant at some point in the tournament. But Marsch was both blunt and transparent, noting that the curtain-raiser at Toronto Stadium against Bosnia and Herzegovina is unlikely for Davies.
"I think Alphonso will play in the World Cup," Marsch told reporters. "I don't think he'll be ready quite on June 12, but we'll see."
What to Know About His Injury
The recuperation from his latest injury, sustained on May 8, is complicated for Davies and Canada Soccer, given the input of his club team, Bayern Munich. Davies is not with the Canadian team in Charlotte, as he opted instead to remain in Munich where he continues to receive treatment. Marsch said that his star player, who scored the first Canadian goal in World Cup history four years ago in Qatar, is expected to join the team in Edmonton next week prior to a friendly against Uzbekistan.
At that point, presumably Canada will have a better read on his availability for the tournament and which of the group play games he will be available for. "He'll pick up his rehab by there and try to put him in a position to physically succeed and be a part of our team," Marsch said. "It will be a real boost to have him back in the group and we'll be pushing to get him fit and strong and healthy so he can contribute to our matches."
What the Two Sides Agreed On
Complicating matters for Canadian officials is getting on the same page as Bayern, which pays Davies his superstar salary. Marsch has done his best to bridge the divide, while helping craft a plan to get him fit for the massive contests that await. It was agreed by the two sides that Davies continue treatment in Munich before returning to Canada late this month.
"In the end, what we both want is for Alphonso to be strong and healthy and be available for the biggest matches for both Bayern and for us," Marsch said. "We're all working together to try to help that situation improve and most importantly for Alphonso. We all want to set him up to succeed. I think Alphonso has trust in both sides of the pond right now. He's really excited to get back with the team. He's really excited to push in this World Cup and get himself ready. I think the plan that we've created will be a good one for him and a good one for us."
