Canada's Davies fit to face South Africa, says coach Marsch
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At a glance
- Canada captain Alphonso Davies is fit for Sunday's last-32 World Cup clash with South Africa, coach Jesse Marsch confirmed.
- Davies has been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in Bayern Munich's Champions League semi-final.
- Coach Marsch emphasized the importance of Davies' return for the team's morale and performance.
Canada's captain Alphonso Davies is ready to play in Sunday's last-32 match against South Africa, coach Jesse Marsch announced. Davies has been sidelined with a hamstring injury he picked up during Bayern Munich's Champions League semi-final.
Now that we have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform, I think it's a big moment for the team and a big boost for the team.
"Now that we have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform, I think it's a big moment for the team and a big boost for the team," Marsch said Saturday. Davies expressed his frustration at missing Canada's group stage games, including a 2-1 loss to Switzerland, stating, "It was hard to watch those three games. It was painful. The only thing you want to do is play."
It was hard to watch those three games. It was painful. The only thing you want to do is play.
Marsch explained his decision to keep Davies out of the final group game against Switzerland, comparing players to "Ferraris" that need careful handling. The coach's priority was protecting the star player, ensuring he was fully recovered before returning to the pitch.
You have to treat them (players) like they're Ferraris.
Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.