Canada Give Update on Bayern Munich Star’s Availability for Bafana Bafana Clash
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has confirmed that captain Alphonso Davies is expected to be available for Sunday's FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter against South Africa after missing the entire group stage through injury.
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The tournament co-hosts take on Bafana Bafana at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday at 21:00, with a place in the Round of 16 at stake.
Davies has not played a single minute at the World Cup so far after suffering a left hamstring strain late last season. Although the Bayern Munich full-back was included on the bench for all three group-stage fixtures, he was not considered fit enough to feature.
Marsch has now revealed that the 25-year-old is ready to return against Hugo Broos' side after being carefully managed during the opening phase of the tournament.
Speaking to TSN, Marsch admitted Davies' inclusion on the bench during the group stage was partly tactical.
"Alphonso wasn't ready yet, but I wanted Switzerland to think about him and if you heard their press conference yesterday, they spoke about him a lot.
"He was never ready to play today, but I used him as a decoy. He will be ready for the next match, though."We didn't want to be in a situation where he could be in danger, but he will be ready for the next match."
The return of Davies is a timely boost for Canada, who have progressed to the knockout rounds without one of their biggest stars.
South Africa will also receive welcome reinforcement ahead of the clash, with midfielder Teboho Mokoena returning from suspension. The Mamelodi Sundowns star missed the final group-stage fixture after collecting two yellow cards but is now available for selection as Bafana Bafana chase a place in the last 16.
Source: Briefly News
