Alphonso Davies out for the season and to miss the Club World Cup

Alphonso Davies has suffered a torn ACL in his right knee and is set to undergo surgery today. Bayern Munich confirmed early Wednesday morning that the Canadian defender will miss the remainder of the season - a cruel twist of fate during a pivotal moment in the campaign, as well as the player’s own personal career.

This injury also rules him out of the Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13. It’s a tough setback for Davies, Bayern Munich, and the Canadian national team.

The 24-year-old full-back was injured during Canada’s CONCACAF Nations League match against the United States at the weekend. In just the 10th minute, he fell to the ground clutching his knee was replaced by Niko Sigur. Three days earlier, Davies had played the full 90 minutes in Canada’s semi-final defeat to Mexico.

Davies’ agent criticizes Canada’s management

Davies’ agent, Nedal Huoseh, has publicly criticized Canada’s coach for risking the Bayern Munich defender in both games. “He should not have played the third-place match against the United States. I was shocked to see him start because it had been made clear he wasn’t fit for the opening lineup,” Huoseh said. “A source within the CSA [Canadian Soccer Association] told me Friday night that Alphonso wouldn’t start but might play a few minutes. I told them he shouldn’t play at all.”

Huoseh’s criticism of coach Jesse Marsch continued in an interview with TZ Munich: “In my view, this could have been 100% avoided. Jesse has coached professionally at the highest level and should know better than to take risks with players when they’re not fit to play. National teams must prioritize player health over emotional decisions based on individual success. I understand this was a game against the United States, and there was strong motivation to win, but protecting players’ well-being should come first. I know Alphonso is in good hands with Bayern’s medical team and will recover from this setback.”

Upamecano also sidelined

Bayern face another challenge with the loss of Dayot Upamecano, who will be out for six weeks due to a loose flap of cartilage in his left knee. In response, coach Vincent Kompany plans to use Hiroki Ito as the first-choice left-back, with Raphaël Guerreiro as an alternative. At center-back, Eric Dier will step in for the Frenchman, as Bayern looks to maintain their defensive solidity during a critical phase of the season.

Max Eberl, Bayern’s sporting director, shared a somber assessment of the international break: “Unfortunately, there’s always a risk that players return injured after international duty; this time, we’ve been hit particularly hard. The absences of Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano are major blows for Bayern. Phonzy will receive all the support he needs in his recovery. We will also monitor Upa closely over the coming weeks and hope he’ll be back in action soon. Our squad is strong and will compensate for these setbacks. Now we will work even more closely together. We have the quality to continue chasing our ambitious goals,” the club’s statement read.

Bayern currently top the Bundesliga standings on 62 points - six points clear of Bayer Leverkusen in second. The injuries to Davies and Upamecano are particularly concerning for Bayern, especially with their Champions League quarter-final against Inter Milan just days away. The first leg is scheduled for April 8 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, followed by the second leg on April 16 at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan

Davies will still be recovering when the Germans take part at this summer’s Club World Cup. They kick off the tournament against Auckland City on 15 June before facing Boca Juniors (20 June) and Benfica (24 June).

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