Davies sidelined as precaution after training setback, says Marsch

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has revealed that Alphonso Davies was left out of his side's World Cup defeat to Morocco as a precaution after experiencing discomfort in training, insisting there is no serious injury.

Alphonso Davies.

Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images.

Bayern Munich fans can breathe a sigh of relief after Canada head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed that Alphonso Davies did not suffer a serious injury despite missing his side's World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Morocco.

Davies was a notable absentee as Canada exited the tournament, prompting immediate concern over the fitness of one of Bayern's most important players. But speaking after the match, Marsch explained that the decision to leave the full-back out was purely precautionary.

"Alphonso didn't feel right yesterday in training and we got an MRI," Marsch said.

"The good news was that there was no injury, but his hamstring didn't feel right."

Canada had hoped the Bayern defender would recover overnight and be available for the knockout clash, but his condition failed to improve sufficiently on matchday.

"We were hoping that by the time this morning he woke up that he would feel better, but he didn't," Marsch explained. "So we wanted to be cautious and make sure that we weren't risking anything."

With Canada trailing 1-0 for much of the second half, Davies' pace and attacking threat could have transformed the game. Marsch admitted he would have loved to introduce the 25-year-old, but insisted the long-term picture had to come first.

"At the 60th minute when it's 1-0, it would've been great to have him in the match. Or even at halftime," he said. "But we weren't able to have him healthy."

Marsch also revealed how disappointed Davies was to miss one of the biggest matches of Canada's campaign.

"It killed him more than anyone," the former RB Leipzig coach admitted. "But I think it was the right decision to preserve him and his career and get him fully healthy."

While Davies' absence ultimately proved a major blow for Canada, Marsch's comments suggest Bayern supporters have little reason to fear a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with the decision driven by caution rather than a confirmed hamstring injury.