Bayern Munich confirmed the hamstring damage in a club statement on May 8, saying Davies will miss several weeks and that his World Cup status will hinge on his recovery timeline.
Davies was subbed on in the 68th minute of the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg against Paris Saint-Germain at Allianz Arena on May 7 and played to the final whistle; post-match medical checks revealed the injury. Bayern drew 1-1 on the night but lost the tie 5-6 on aggregate and failed to reach the final.
The loss hits Canada harder than it does the club. As a co-host of the tournament, Canada is in Group B and opens its campaign on June 13 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, followed by Qatar and Switzerland. With kickoff approaching, the possible absence of their captain is a significant blow.
Davies has been a fixture for Canada since 2017, scoring 15 goals in 58 senior caps and emerging as an emblematic figure for the program. He was a central figure at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and currently captains the side. His influence in both defense and attack would be difficult to replace.
Canada Soccer moved quickly, saying it is in constant contact with Bayern’s medical staff, monitoring Davies’s recovery and will provide every possible support to try to get him fit before the tournament.
About a month remains until the World Cup, and Canada must wait to see if its talisman returns in time.
Photo: Reuters / Yonhap Newsn
