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Copa America 2024, news

Alphonso Davies not included in Canada’s starting lineup against Uruguay

July 13, 2024

Canada team captain Alphonso Davies is not in the team’s starting lineup for Saturday’s third-place match against Uruguay at the Copa América.

Davies was fouled hard by Gonzalo Montiel in Tuesday’s 2-0 semifinal loss to Argentina and had to leave in the 71st minute with a right-leg injury.

Davies will be available off the bench as a substitute.

An X-ray on Davies’ leg was negative, head coach Jesse Marsch said via Zoom with media on Wednesday.

Cyle Larin, Jonathan David and Stephen Eustaquio are also out of the starting XI, but are available as substitutes as well, while 18-year-old Luc de Fougerolles is making his tournament debut.

Canadian soccer fans were left scratching their heads on Tuesday when it was announced that Alphonso Davies would not be included in the starting lineup for Canada’s friendly match against Uruguay. The decision came as a surprise to many, considering Davies’ recent success with Bayern Munich and his status as one of Canada’s most promising young talents.

Davies, who made headlines earlier this year for his standout performances in the UEFA Champions League, has been a key player for both club and country in recent months. His speed, skill, and versatility have made him a valuable asset for Canada’s national team, and many fans were expecting to see him play a prominent role in the match against Uruguay.

So why was Davies left out of the starting lineup? While no official reason was given for the decision, it is possible that Canada’s head coach John Herdman wanted to give other players a chance to shine on the international stage. With a deep pool of talent to choose from, Herdman may have felt that rotating the squad and giving other players an opportunity to prove themselves was the best course of action.

Additionally, Davies may have been dealing with fatigue or minor injuries that prompted Herdman to rest him for the match. With the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League matches on the horizon, it is important for Herdman to manage his players’ workload and ensure that they are in peak condition for the important fixtures ahead.

While fans may have been disappointed not to see Davies in the starting lineup against Uruguay, it is important to trust in Herdman’s decision-making and have faith in the rest of the Canadian squad. With or without Davies on the field, Canada has a talented group of players who are capable of competing at a high level and making their mark on the international stage.

Ultimately, the decision to leave Davies out of the starting lineup may have been a tactical one, aimed at giving other players a chance to shine and ensuring that Canada is prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. As one of Canada’s brightest young stars, Davies will no doubt have many more opportunities to showcase his talents and make an impact for his country in the future.