Bayern Munich has suffered a significant blow as left-back Alphonso Davies sustained a severe knee injury while representing Canada in the Concacaf Nations League. The 24-year-old defender tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee during his country’s 2-1 victory over the United States in the third-place play-off on Sunday. As a result, Davies will require surgery and is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, potentially missing several months of action.
Davies, who has been an integral part of Bayern since arriving from Vancouver Whitecaps in 2018 as a teenager, recently committed his future to the German champions by signing a five-year contract in February. The new deal put an end to speculation linking him with a possible move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. With over 220 appearances for Bayern, Davies’ absence will be a significant loss as the club competes on multiple fronts in the final stretch of the season.
Upamecano also sidelined
In another setback for Bayern, French center-back Dayot Upamecano has also been ruled out for several weeks due to a knee injury sustained while on international duty. The 25-year-old defender, who joined the Bavarian side from RB Leipzig in 2021 for a reported €42.5 million (£38 million), has made nearly 150 appearances for the club. His absence further depletes Bayern’s defensive options, adding to the challenges facing head coach Vincent Kompany.
Speaking about the injuries, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl acknowledged the risks associated with international duty. “Unfortunately, breaks for national team matches always come with the possibility of players returning with injuries. This time, we have been hit particularly hard,” he said. Despite these setbacks, Eberl expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to cope, stating, “Our team has the strength and depth to overcome these challenges. We will work even closer together to stay on course for our goals.”
Crucial phase of the season
Bayern Munich remains in a strong position in the Bundesliga, holding a six-point advantage at the top of the table with just eight matches left to play. The German giants are chasing their 34th league title, aiming to extend their dominance in domestic football. However, the loss of key defensive players could present a challenge as the season nears its conclusion.
In addition to their domestic campaign, Bayern is preparing for a high-stakes Champions League quarter-final clash against Inter Milan. The first leg of the knockout tie is set to take place in Munich on April 8, and the team will need to adapt quickly to these injuries to maintain their pursuit of European glory. The coming weeks will test the resilience of the squad as they strive to secure success on multiple fronts.
