'They've done it before': Canada soccer better-equipped to cope with Davies' absence
CBC
Canada's upcoming trio of crucial World Cup qualifiers just became a lot more interesting, as star player Alphonso Davies has been ruled out due to a heart condition.
After originally testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this month, Davies had to isolate before returning to training with his pro club Bayern Munich this week. On Friday, Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann revealed that Davies was diagnosed with mild myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle.
While it is not expected to be a danger to Davies' long-term health, Nagelsmann confirmed that the Canadian would immediately stop training with the team until further notice so he can recover. Canada Soccer also confirmed that Davies, a 21-year-old from Edmonton, won't be available to play for the men's team in its World Cup qualifying games.
Montreal-based cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos told CBC News Network that the long-term prognosis for someone suffering from mild myocarditis is very good. He also described the usual treatment as bed rest and anti-inflammatories, and explained that you have to let the symptoms completely resolve before returning to physical activity.
"To get back to that peak conditioning [level], it may take a while for him to get back to what he was before," Labos offered.
WATCH | John Molinaro discusses Canada's outlook with Davies sidelined:
Of course, Davies' health is what matters the most. Still, there's no denying that the timing isn't ideal for the Canadian men's team.
Canada currently tops the table in the final round of the CONCACAF qualifiers with a 4-0-4 record, and enjoy a two-point advantage over fourth-place Panama with six games remaining.
The top three nations in the eight-team group automatically qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which means Canada's road matches vs. Honduras (Jan. 27) and El Salvador (Feb. 2), and its game against the U.S. in Hamilton (Jan. 30) could go a long way in determining its fate.
Make no mistake about it: the loss of Davies is a big blow, as it robs Canada of a player of such sublime skill with speed to burn. Davies debuted for Canada as a 16-year-old in 2017.
Since then, the left fullback has firmly established himself not only as Canada's brightest star (with 10 goals and 15 assists in 35 games), but as one of the premier players in his position in the sport.
WATCH | Health expert says Davies' recovery likely to take 'several weeks':
The co-winner of the 2020 Lou Marsh Trophy, Davies has become a global superstar ever since his transfer from the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer to Bayern Munich, German champion and one of the most famous clubs in world soccer.
Davies' speed and trickery on the ball and attacking flair makes him a nightmare to deal with for opposing defenders. His five goals in the current qualifying campaign is one of the reasons why Canada appears poised to qualify for the World Cup for only the second time in its history, having previously competed in 1986 in Mexico.
