There is a glimmer of hope at FC Bayern: Alphonso Davies could return sooner than initially thought. The Canadian was back on the training pitch just a few days after tearing a muscle fibre
The pictures from last Saturday did not bode well at first. Davies had to leave the pitch injured during the 3:2 win against Eintracht Frankfurt, pulling his shirt over his face and looking visibly dejected. The diagnosis followed that same evening: a torn muscle fibre in his right rear thigh. After his cruciate ligament rupture last year, this was yet more bad news – albeit much less serious
First running session after just a few days
This made his appearance at Säbener Straße all the more surprising. On Thursday, the 25-year-old completed a relaxed jogging session under the supervision of a rehab coach, as reported by tz. Davies ran on the pitch for around 20 minutes, appeared to be in good spirits and even greeted training observers
Originally it was assumed that he would be out for around three weeks. Whether this prognosis will now be shortened remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that FC Bayern will not be taking any risks. The season is in its decisive phase – experiments are out of the question
With Hiroki Ito and Raphael Guerreiro, coach Vincent Kompany has two experienced alternatives for the left side of defence at his disposal. Josip Stanisic or Konrad Laimer could also help out there in an emergency. In terms of personnel, there is therefore no acute pressure to rush Davies back
Canada hopes – Bayern remain vigilant
The situation is particularly explosive with regard to the Canadian national team. The association would like to nominate Davies for the international matches at the end of March. On 28 March, Canada will face Iceland, followed a few days later by Tunisia – friendly matches of little sporting significance
The association has already emphasized that it is in close contact with FC Bayern’s medical department, but a decision on Davies‘ availability has not yet been made
The memory of last year is still fresh in Munich, when Davies tore his cruciate ligament in the national jersey, despite the fact that he was apparently advised to exercise restraint internally. The injury was only diagnosed after his return to Munich – an open dispute between club, association and advisor ensued
This is precisely why the record champions are likely to react with particular sensitivity this time. A quick comeback is not out of the question – but in the case of Davies, FC Bayern is more cautious than ever.