A file photo of the Canadian team celebrating a goal during a CONCACAF qualifier for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. PIC: Canada Soccer @twitter
Doha: Bayern Munich and Canada star Alphonso Davies has been named in their final 26-man list for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Davies is recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up while playing for Bayern against Hertha Berlin on Saturday.
In a tweet after the list was announced, Davies said, “A kid born in a refugee camp wasn’t supposed to make it!”
“But here we are going to the World Cup. Don’t let no one tell you that your dreams are unrealistic. Keep dreaming, keep achieving!” Davies added.
In a statement, Bayern stated that the 22-year-old was not at risk of missing the World Cup, adding,
“The 22-year-old full-back suffered a hamstring strain in the 3-2 win at Hertha BSC on Saturday. The diagnosis was confirmed by the German record champions’ medical unit. The Canada international’s participation in the World Cup in Qatar is not at risk.”
The club also released a video on November 11 showing the left back in training with a Bayern physio -- a promising sign for Canadian fans.
Davies, born in the Buduburam refugee camp in Ghana to Liberian parents, has played 34 times for Canada, scoring 12 goals. He is Les Rouges’ most high-profile player. Canada was the first CONCACAF country to book a World Cup berth this year and will be appearing at FIFA World Cup for the first time in 36 years.
Canada drew 2-2 with Bahrain in a friendly on November 11 and are scheduled to play fellow World Cup-bound team Japan in Dubai on November 17.
Canada, ranked 41st in the world, open their World Cup campaign on November 23 against world number two Belgium in Group F. They also play Croatia on November 27 and Morocco on December 1.
Canada’s coach John Herdman also picked plenty of firepower in the attack, including Jonathan David, Tajon Buchanan, Junior Hoilett, and Ike Ugbo.
Veteran and captain Atiba Hutchinson who plays for Turkish side Besiktas also made the cut.
Meanwhile, defender Doneil Henry will miss out on the tournament after an injury suffered in the warmup before Friday’s 2-2 tie with Bahrain.
