Canada captain Alphonso Davies is available for selection ahead of his side’s World Cup last-32 meeting with South Africa, according to head coach Jesse Marsch.
The Bayern Munich defender has yet to feature at the tournament after recovering from a hamstring injury, but Marsch says the 25-year-old is now fit enough to return.
Canada face South Africa at SoFi Stadium on Sunday as they attempt to reach the last 16 for the first time in their history.
Marsch admits earlier updates were tactical
Marsch acknowledged earlier this week that he had deliberately kept opponents guessing over Davies’ fitness during the group stage.
The Canada boss had repeatedly suggested his captain could play, despite the defender not being ready to return after suffering three hamstring injuries in the previous four months, including one during the Champions League semi-finals.
“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,” said Marsch.
“I think in general, all the players that came into camp with little injuries are now really close to 100% and ready to perform at the highest level.”
Marsch added that delaying Davies’ return had not been an easy decision.
“For me to go tell our best player, and a guy that is a huge piece of everything that we do, that we have to wait, was also painful,” he said.
“But we’ve done this in the best interests of Alphonso and his career and his health, so it’s nice now that we can have a plan that leads to him being back on the pitch.”
Davies eager to make tournament debut
Davies admitted it had been difficult watching from the sidelines as Canada played their opening three matches on home soil in Toronto and Vancouver.
The defender revealed he even approached Marsch before Canada’s final group game against Switzerland in an attempt to secure a few minutes on the pitch.
“The only thing you want to do is play football,” Davies said.
“The first game, watching it, I was eager to be on the pitch. Second game, even more so. The third game, I went to him before the game and asked him, ‘Do you think I can get a couple of minutes?’”
Davies said Marsch convinced him to remain patient, prioritising his long-term fitness over a rushed comeback.
Marsch has not confirmed whether Davies will start against South Africa or how many minutes he may play, but the defender is expected to be involved as Canada begin their knockout campaign.
Canada’s route to the last 32 was secured despite a defeat to Switzerland in their final group match, while South Africa advanced after an impressive group-stage showing.
