Canada men's national team star Alphonso Davies will reportedly miss out on Wednesday's home World Cup qualifier against El Salvador due to a knee injury he picked up against the United States on Sunday.
On Tuesday, reporters at BMO Field in Toronto noticed that Davies was not at Canada's practice.
Alphonso Davies is not on the field for #CMNT training at BMO Field this afternoon. @TSN_Sports @TSNSoccer
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) September 7, 2021
Reports from Germany said Davies was already on his way back to Europe to rejoin Bayern Munich, where he'll undergo an MRI.
Reports out of Germany say Alphonso Davies is heading back to Bayern Munich after sustaining a knee injury Sunday against #USMNT. He won't be available for #CanMNT against #ElSalvador tomorrow in #WorldCupQualifiers
— Derek Van Diest (@DerekVanDiest) September 7, 2021
Canada's star left the 1-1 draw against the Americans in the 77th minute, shortly after helping the team equalize in Nashville, Tenn. Davies made a run down the left wing and set up teammate Cyle Larin for an easy tap-in in the center of the penalty area. The 20-year-old was one of Les Rouges' standout players in the match and the United States had a tough time containing him. He created a big chance in the first half, but Larin's shot on that occasion was saved by the goalkeeper.
Davies also missed the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July and had to head back home to Germany after suffering an ankle injury in a training session. The Canadians made it all the way to the tournament semifinals without him.
How will Canada replace Davies?
Although Davies will be missed, Canada is still expected to pick up all three points against El Salvador at home Wednesday night in Toronto. Davies' speed and dribbling ability would have been helpful against a defensively organized El Salvador team, but Canada has more depth than ever. Head coach John Herdman could opt to play Jonathan David at left wing or even start the right-footed Tajon Buchanan wide left as an inverted winger. Another option could see left back Samuel Adekugbe pushed higher up the field.
The Bayern Munich star was a big part of Canada advancing to the final round of the regional World Cup qualifying for the first time since 1997. The team opened with a home draw against Honduras (1-1) and followed that up with a valuable road draw against the Americans (1-1).
Canada is seeking its first World Cup berth since 1986. The top three finishers in CONCACAF regional qualifying earn direct tickets to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, while the fourth-place team advances to an intercontinental playoff.
Davies is one of the brightest young stars in global football. He moved with his family to Canada as refugees in the wake of the civil war in Liberia. The Edmonton-based Davies was then scouted by the Vancouver Whitecaps before eventually signing a professional contract with the club's reserve team at the age of 15.
After starring for the senior side in Major League Soccer, he was acquired by German giant Bayern Munich in a then-MLS record $22 million transfer in 2018. He proceeded to win a spot as the starting left back and he has since helped Bayern win every trophy available, including the 2020 UEFA Champions League title.