The Canadian men's soccer team, ranked 35th in the world, is assembling in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for a two-match series against Suriname, which holds the 136th spot in the rankings. However, team captain Alphonso Davies will not be joining the squad.
Canada’s national soccer team faces a setback as captain Alphonso Davies will not be participating in the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname. Canada Soccer announced that the star player from Bayern Munich has chosen to sit out as a precaution due to fatigue. The move comes after an intense schedule that has left the 23-year-old player needing rest.
To fill the gap, Vancouver Whitecaps’ fullback Sam Adekugbe has been called up to join the Canadian squad. The team, ranked 35th in the world, is gathering in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to prepare for the two-game series against Suriname, which holds the 136th spot in the rankings. The first leg is set to take place on Friday in Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo, with the second leg scheduled for November 19 at Toronto’s BMO Field.
Davies is a crucial figure for Canada, having been named Canada Soccer Player of the Year four times. He boasts an impressive record with 56 international appearances, scoring 16 goals and assisting in 17 others. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, as he is known for his speed, skill, and ability to change the flow of a game.
Davies’ withdrawal comes at a particularly busy time for him and his club. He was one of 14 Bayern Munich players selected for international matches during the November 11-19 FIFA window. He showcased his stamina and dedication by playing the entire match in Bayern Munich’s narrow 1-0 victory over FC St. Pauli this past Saturday.
The German club has a packed schedule following this international break. Bayern is set to face FC Augsburg in a Bundesliga match on November 23, followed by a high-profile Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain on November 26. Their month concludes with an anticipated showdown against Borussia Dortmund on November 30. Bayern Munich currently leads the Bundesliga standings with an unbeaten record of 8-0-2.
The decision for Davies to skip the Nations League quarterfinal was made to ensure he avoids potential injuries and can recharge before his demanding club schedule resumes. This choice reflects a cautious approach as Davies continues to manage his health and maintain top performance for both Canada and Bayern.
Fans of Canadian soccer will be hoping that the rest period helps Davies stay fit for future matches, especially as Canada eyes success on the international stage. The team must now adapt without their star player and rely on the depth of its roster to tackle Suriname, aiming for a strong start in the quarterfinal series.
