CanMNT Talk: Alphonso Davies ruled out of World Cup qualifiers

Canada will have to navigate its upcoming World Cup qualifying matches without Alphonso Davies, who 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 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 won’t be available to play for the men’s team in its World Cup qualifying games.

Canada currently tops the table and is unbeaten (with four wins in eight games) in the final round of the CONCACAF qualifiers, and enjoys a two-point advantage over fourth-place Panama with six games remaining. Canada is set to play away to Honduras (Jan. 27) and El Salvador (Feb. 2), and against the U.S. in Hamilton (Jan. 30).

In the latest video blog, I discuss the Davies news and what this means for Canada as it prepares to play a trio of crucial World Cup qualifying matches.

Watch the video below: