
<p>Canada could be dealt a major blow for their <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> group opener against Belgium on Wednesday as left wing back Alphonso Davies is set to <a href="https:\/\/theathletic.com/3912903/2022/11/19/alphonso-davies-canada-belgium-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">miss the game</a> through injury. </p>



<p>It would be huge setback for the North American side when they take the field in what is deemed as the biggest game in their history. This is the first time that Canada <a href="https:\/\/www.mlssoccer.com/news/canada-qualify-to-qatar-2022-world-cup-can-4-jam-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have qualified</a> for the World Cup since 1986.</p>



<h5>Bayern Munich Help Davies Recuperate</h5>



<p>Davies picked up a hamstring strain in the first week of November which left him out Bayern Munich’s next two league games in the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/podcasts/derek-rae-previews-the-2022-23-bundesliga-wst-podcast/">Bundesliga</a>. The 22-year-old arrived in Qatar on Friday, staying in Munich longer than other European players to recover from his injury.</p>



<p>Canada head coach John Herdman acknowledged that Bayern have done everything possible to get Davies get back in shape, but the youngster is yet to hit top sprinting speeds in training. Even though Davies would miss the clash against Belgium, he is expected to be fit for the other group games against Croatia and Morocco.</p>



<p>Herdman later said, “<em>There’s been a really steady process. This is three games we’ve got to get him ready for. If he’s not ready for the first one, we don’t want to risk it. It’s one of those situations. The handover has been positive</em>.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A kid born in a refugee camp wasn’t supposed to make it! But here we are GOING TO THE WORLD CUP. Don’t let no one tell you that your dreams are unrealistic. KEEP DREAMING, KEEP ACHIEVING! <a href="https:\/\/t.co/GT4hjz4ebO">pic.twitter.com/GT4hjz4ebO</a></p>— Alphonso Davies (@AlphonsoDavies) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/AlphonsoDavies/status/1591825454545408000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Despite his age, Davies is arguably the biggest name in the 26-man-squad for the World Cup. The youngster did train with his teammates on Saturday that was open to the media, participating in physical activation and stretches. </p>



<p>The Canadians secured a 2-1 <a href="https:\/\/www.sportingnews.com/us/football/news/japan-vs-canada-live-score-highlights-world-cup/zcb0xfimrffiojlqz5f2a72k" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comeback win</a> over Japan in their last friendly before the tournament in Dubai thanks a stoppage time penalty from substitute Lucas Cavallini.</p>



<h5><strong>How will Canada line up without Davies</strong></h5>



<p>Against Japan, Herdman names a 4-4-2 setup. The idea from the 47-year-old was loud and clear; keep shape, maintain structure and spring to offensive transitions after regaining possession. </p>



<p>Had Davies been available, Herdman could have setup his team on a 3-4-3, with the Bayern man, taking advantage of his raw pace against an ageing Belgium backline. However, Herdman is expected to adapt to the situation in hoping to get a positive result against Belgium.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">GOAL 🇨🇦<br><br>STEVEN VITORIA from the corner! 😎<a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/CanMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CanMNT</a> equalize 1-1 vs. Japan as Vitoria connects on the set piece at the 21st minute<br><br>🔴 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/7JFAUhgRAE">https:\/\/t.co/7JFAUhgRAE</a> <a href="https:\/\/t.co/0qF3MHfC3W">pic.twitter.com/0qF3MHfC3W</a></p>— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/onesoccer/status/1593244469864058883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Junior Hoilett is expected to take Davies’ role on the left put up a man of the match performance against Japan. The Reading midfielder threatened on counter attacks and set pieces deliveries, setting up Steven Vitoria’s equalizer in the 21<sup>st</sup> minute. the 32-year-old’s trickery will be paramount to Canada’s chances against Belgium while his defending off the ball will be tested as the European side is expected to have the lion share of the possession. &nbsp;</p>



<p>Herdman’s side need to defend well as a unit and have to plug the weakness in the air should Canada have to get something from the game. At times against Japan, they were at sea in the air and with the likes of a tall Belgium lineup pitted against, the signs could be ominous. &nbsp;</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


Canada dealt a major blow for their World Cup opener against Belgium as Alphonso Davies is doubtful for the game with injury

Alphonso Davies doubtful for Canada World Cup opener - World Soccer Talk

Alphonso Davies doubtful for Canada World Cup opener

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Alphonso Davies doubtful for Canada World Cup opener