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Canada coach says update to come on health of star fullback/winger Alphonso Davies

Sep 7, 2021 | 2:57 PM

TORONTO — There is a question mark over the health of Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies ahead of Canada’s World Cup qualifying match against El Salvador on Wednesday.

Coach John Herdman said the 20-year-old fullback/winger did not train with the team at BMO Field on Tuesday. He said an update on Davies’ condition would come later Tuesday or “probably” Wednesday morning “as we continue the assessment.”

Herdman said Davies was still with the team. 

Davies looked pained when he left Sunday’s 1-1 tie with the U.S. in the 75th minute and was immediately greeted by trainers when he get to the bench.

His assist on Cyle Larin’s tying goal in the 62nd minute of the game in Nashville was his record-breaking sixth in 2021. He had shared the previous Canadian men’s record with Martin Nash (2000).

Davies was also injured with Canada in July, suffering a torn ligament in his ankle in training prior to the Gold Cup. At the time, Herdman said the 20-year-old turned his ankle after riding a tackle in a small-sided game.

Davies returned to full team practice with Bayern on Aug. 9 and started in the season opener Aug. 13 against Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Wednesday’s game is the third in a week for both Canada and El Salvador, ranked 59th and 64th respectively. Both teams have two ties to date.

Canada opened the so-called Octagonal final round by drawing Honduras 1-1 at BMO Field before tying the U.S. El Salvador played scoreless draws at home to the U.S. and Honduras.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 7, 2021

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press