Canada have the opportunity to make history on Wednesday evening, and they will want their superstar on the pitch to fuel hopes of reaching the knockout stages. The Canadians face Switzerland in their final group-stage match at BC Place in Vancouver, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 GMT in a winner-takes-all match.
Is Alphonso Davies expected to play for Canada this evening?
Alphonso Davies has endured a frustrating battle with injuries, and the hamstring problem he suffered during Bayern Munich's Champions League defeat has added to his World Cup heartbreak, preventing him from starting a match at a home World Cup so far. Although he remained an unused substitute in Canada's emphatic win over Qatar, his place in the squad offered hope that he could feature in the decisive Group B clash against Switzerland.
Speaking at a fan event in Vancouver, Davies was asked about his potential involvement in the match, but his response left Whitecaps supporters guessing.
""I feel good, you know, having the win last game," he said. "We're excited.""Alphonso Davies
With Whitecaps fans left still none the wiser, Jesse Marsch is unlikely to take any unnecessary risks and potentially aggravate an injury that has already disrupted his tournament. However, if the game remains finely balanced heading into the final 20 minutes, the Bayern Munich star will be hoping to make his long-awaited World Cup appearance and provide the moment of quality that could make all the difference.
Canada's left-back depth chart at the World Cup
Player | Club | Caps |
|---|---|---|
Alphonso Davies | Bayern Munich | 58 |
Richie Laryea | Toronto | 77 |
Niko Sigur | Hadjuk Spit | 20 |
Ali Ahmed | Norwich City |
As has been the case throughout the tournament, Richie Laryea has started against both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar despite spending most of his club career at right-back. However, with Alistair Johnston firmly established on the right and Alphonso Davies sidelined through injury, Laryea has seamlessly filled the void on the left.
It would be a surprise to see Jesse Marsch make significant changes against Switzerland. The Canada boss has largely selected the strongest and fittest XI available to him, and after the emphatic victory over Qatar, there is little reason to alter a side that has found both balance and momentum.
Canada team news vs Switzerland
Canada's last outing was a resounding success, but the serious injury suffered to Ismaël Koné cast a shadow over the victory. The midfielder sustained a fractured tibia and will miss the remainder of the tournament, leaving Jesse Marsch with a significant gap to fill both in midfield and in the dressing room. Jonathan Osorio and Nathan Saliba are among the leading candidates to step into the side.
Further forward, the partnership of Kyle Larin and Jonathan David looked far more dangerous against Qatar, combining effectively and posing a constant threat. If Marsch sticks with a two-man attack, both forwards are expected to retain their places against Switzerland.
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