Davies Included in Canada Squad Despite Injury Concerns Ahead of Crucial Copa America Qualifier

Despite ongoing injury concerns stemming from a recent boot to the face and ligament strain while playing for Bayern Munich, Alphonso Davies has been named in Canada’s squad for a pivotal Copa America qualifying playoff against Trinidad and Tobago.

Davies’s potential return to full fitness looms large as Canada aims to secure a spot in the Copa America for the first time by defeating Trinidad and Tobago in the decisive match scheduled for March 23 in Frisco, Texas.

The stakes are high, with the winner of the playoff earning a coveted place in Group A alongside formidable opponents such as top-ranked World Cup winners Argentina, Peru, and Chile for the upcoming tournament set to take place from June 20 to July 14.

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Mauro Biello, serving as interim head coach of the national team, has assembled one of the youngest rosters in recent years, with 22 of the 23 players under the age of 30.

Despite suffering an MCL strain just five weeks ago, Davies made his return to the Bayern starting lineup over the weekend in a match against Mainz. However, his comeback was short-lived as he was forced to leave the pitch after just 15 minutes following another injury scare—a boot to the face—that required dental treatment.

Reflecting on the squad selection, Biello expressed confidence in the players’ current form and emphasized the importance of their hunger and passion for representing their country on the international stage.

“I want players that are hungry, coming in with that attitude of representing this country,” Biello remarked, underscoring the significance of reigniting national pride and selecting players who are performing well for their respective clubs.

Jonathan Osorio, the 31-year-old midfielder from Toronto FC, holds the distinction of being the most capped player in the squad, bringing both experience and leadership to the team.

Meanwhile, leading the charge in the Canadian attack will be Jonathan David, the prolific striker from Lille, who ranks second in the Ligue 1 scoring charts behind Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe.