Bayern Munich and Canadian national team star, Alphonso Davies, is set to undergo surgery after sustaining a torn ACL in his right knee during the Concacaf Nations League third-place match against the United States. The incident occurred shortly after he kicked off the match, leading to his substitution in the 12th minute.

Agent Criticism of Canada Soccer’s Handling

Davies’ agent, Nedal Huoseh, expressed his disappointment regarding the circumstances leading to the injury. In a statement to OneSoccer, he remarked, “Alphonso was not 100 percent after the Mexico game [in the semifinals] and it was planned that he was not going to start against the USA.” Huoseh alleged that, under pressure from the coaching staff, Davies felt compelled to take the field as captain, which ultimately resulted in this significant injury.

Huoseh continued, emphasizing the need for Canada Soccer to prioritize player health: “Alphonso is not the kind of guy to say no in those moments… Canada Soccer needs to do a better job managing these players.” He also reassured fans that Davies would receive top-notch medical attention at Bayern Munich.

Canada Soccer’s Response

In reaction to Huoseh’s claims, a spokesperson for Canada Soccer, Paulo Senra, labeled the comments as “untrue.” He reaffirmed the organization’s support for Davies during his recovery, praising both the player and the medical staff, stating, “Anything suggesting otherwise is untrue.” According to Senra, the team prioritizes player well-being and has a history of professional handling of such situations.

Impact on Bayern Munich’s Defensive Line

Davies’ injury represents a significant setback for both Canada and Bayern Munich. Additionally, the club is contending with another injury blow as defender Dayot Upamecano has been ruled out for several weeks due to joint issues in his knee. Bayern’s director of sport, Max Eberl, acknowledged the unfortunate nature of injuries during international breaks but remained optimistic about the team’s resilience in overcoming these challenges.

Eberl stated, “Phonzy will get all the support he needs on his way back,” while expressing confidence in the squad’s depth amidst these absences.

Upcoming Matches

Despite the injuries, Bayern Munich maintains a six-point lead in the Bundesliga standings. The team is set to host St. Pauli in their next league match and will soon face Serie A leaders Inter Milan in the Champions League quarterfinals on April 8.