"He won't let it get him down" – Canada assistant Paul Stalteri on Alphonso Davies' latest injury setback
| Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images |
When Canada's national team get together for their upcoming friendlies against Iceland and Tunisia, captain Alphonso Davies will be absent.
Having already missed a significant amount of games this season, the injury-plagued Bayern Munich star suffered a setback last week that is expected to keep him out for a couple of weeks.
Canada assistant coach Paul Stalteri sympathises with Davies after yet another setback, but is confident the 25-year-old will return to top form in time for the World Cup this summer.
“It’s so unfortunate and frustrating for Alphonso that he had to suffer all these setbacks, especially since he was on such a good path. But knowing him, he won’t let it get him down and will lead our team in top form at the World Cup," Stalteri told Sport Bild.
As Stalteri explains, Davies is sorely missed whenever he is sidelined – both on and off the pitch.
“He has already internalized at a young age that every game must be won and that he always has to compete for titles. He goes to work every day with this pressure and this conviction. He inspires his teammates in our squad with this typical Bayern mentality," he said.
"But we also benefit from his positive, humorous side. In the dressing room, he always has a funny remark ready and is a real joker. I love seeing him and his teammates at the national team, for example, sitting together after meals, laughing and enjoying themselves.”
Davies hasn't played for Canada since he suffered a cruciate ligament tear a year ago.
