Alphonso Davies might not be back for Canada’s World Cup soccer clincher

By: Laura Armstrong - Staff Reporter, Toronto Star Posted: 4:52 PM CST Saturday, Mar. 12, 2022 Last Modified: 4:54 PM CST Saturday, Mar. 12, 2022

Advertise with us

Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann cast further doubt on Alphonso Davies’ availability for Canada’s upcoming World Cup qualifying matches, saying the wingback could miss another month with a heart ailment that has sidelined him since January.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/03/2022 (1651 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

“Phonzy will still be out for two, three, to around four weeks,” Nagelsmann told reporters following Bayern’s 1-1 tie with Hoffenheim on Saturday. “The exam he underwent has shown that the best-case scenario occurred and the fluid has disappeared from his heart muscle. We’re happy about that, and hope he’ll be back soon.”

When Davies does return, the manager added, he’ll work “on a moderate basis” during the first week of training, then examined again.

Chris Young - THE CANADIAN PRESS file photo
Alphonso Davies, sidelined with a heart ailment, might not be ready to return to the Canadian lineup in time for the final World Cup qualifying window. — Chris Young - THE CANADIAN PRESS file photo Alphonso Davies, sidelined with a heart ailment, might not be ready to return to the Canadian lineup in time for the final World Cup qualifying window.

“But everything is looking good,” he said.

Earlier in the week, Nagelsmann said Davies was expected back in time for the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, which start April 5. The draw will be held Friday.

While the fact that a return date is in sight is welcome news, it will be a disappointment if the 21-year-old star misses Canada’s final three qualifiers with a berth so close: in Costa Rica on March 24, against Jamaica at BMO Field on March 27, and in Panama on March 30.

Canada, unbeaten in qualifying, could earn a spot in the men’s World Cup for the first time since 1986 in the first match. A win over Costa Rica would guarantee a berth, while a loss or tie would require other results to fall into place.

Davies hasn’t played for Canada since November. He missed wins over Honduras, the United States and El Salvador during the January international window because of a heart condition known as myocarditis, following a bout of COVID-19.

Laura Armstrong is a Star sports reporter based in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @lauraarmy