Sophia
Canadian football fans eager to see star left-back Alphonso Davies back in action will have to wait a little longer. The Bayern Munich sensation is notably absent from Jesse Marsch’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against Romania and Wales. Davies is currently on the mend from a significant ACL injury sustained earlier this year. However, the good news is that his recovery is progressing remarkably well, prompting an optimistic outlook from the national team coach.
Davies’ Absence and the Road to Recovery
The 24-year-old left-back is one of several key players missing from the Canadian roster as the 2025-26 European season kicks into gear. OGC Nice center-back Moise Bombito is also recovering from wrist surgery, and Celtic’s Alistair Johnston is sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up during UEFA Champions League qualifying. For Davies, his journey back to the pitch began after tearing his ACL in March during a Concacaf Nations League Finals match against the U.S. Men’s National Team.
Initially, many feared the injury would rule him out for the remainder of the year and potentially jeopardize his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Davies has defied expectations, recently returning to training with Bayern Munich and actively kicking balls with both feet. His revised return timeline is now set for the fall, a significantly quicker recovery than typically seen for this type of injury. This accelerated progress suggests he could be available for Canada’s November friendlies against Ecuador and another yet-to-be-determined opponent.
Jesse Marsch’s Optimistic Outlook
Canada manager Jesse Marsch has openly acknowledged Davies’ immense value to the squad and is clearly impressed by the player’s determination to return. Speaking to Canadian Soccer Daily’s Brendan Dunlop, Marsch offered an exciting prediction regarding Davies’ potential return:
“I wouldn’t bet against Alphonso [being ready for November 13,]. He’s a freak of nature in terms of his overall physicality, and so in the discussions I’ve had with him in the club in the last months, everyone says that he’s doing great and he’s meeting all the measurements and benchmarks that he needs to.”
This statement suggests Davies could be back on the pitch well ahead of the typical six to eight-month minimum recovery period for an ACL tear. His return would be incredibly timely for the Canadian squad, who are relying solely on friendlies for preparation as they build towards their first World Cup matches on home soil in 2026.
Looking Ahead: Davies’ Crucial Role for Canada
Davies’ re-introduction to the Canadian team will also mark his first appearance since a period of tension between his agent, Nick Huoseh, FC Bayern, and Canada Soccer. The Bundesliga club had previously threatened legal action, alleging that Davies was played when not fully fit. Despite the challenges, Marsch believes this period of recovery has offered Davies a valuable opportunity for reflection.
“Obviously, there’s major disappointment in not being available, but there’s always benefits to having a little bit of time to reflect on your personal life, your professional life, to reshape your mentality for what it’s going to take to be successful,” Marsch explained. “Alphonso has missed playing football. He’s missed being on the pitch. He’s been able to dedicate himself to his personal life in a different way.”
Between the current September friendlies and November’s window, the Canadian squad is also scheduled to play Australia in Montréal and Colombia in New Jersey in October. At the club level, Bayern Munich is fully engaged in the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal, with their Champions League campaign commencing against Chelsea on September 17. Davies could potentially participate from Matchday 5 onwards, when Bayern travels to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Alphonso Davies’ eventual return is expected to be a pivotal moment for both club and country, as he aims to play a key role in Canada’s 2026 World Cup ambitions. His unique physicality and attacking prowess make him an indispensable asset, and his rapid recovery is a testament to his dedication and the effectiveness of his rehabilitation. Fans can look forward to seeing the “freak of nature” back on the pitch, hopefully sooner rather than later.
For more on Alphonso Davies’ journey and Canada’s World Cup preparations, stay tuned to the latest soccer news, transfer rumors, and match reaction.
