Bayern Munich has threatened legal action against Canada Soccer following the injury of star defender Alphonso Davies during international duty.
The German club expressed frustration after Davies, who played in Canada’s CONCACAF Nations League third-place play-off against the United States, returned to Munich with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Davies, who captains the Canadian national team, suffered the injury just 12 minutes into the match, which Canada won 2-1.
Initially cleared by Canada Soccer’s medical staff, the 24-year-old was later diagnosed in Munich with a severe knee injury, ruling him out for at least six months.
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen criticized Canada Soccer’s handling of the situation, accusing the federation of gross negligence. He questioned why an injured player was allowed to board a lengthy intercontinental flight without undergoing a thorough medical assessment.
He further emphasized that, with Canada already qualified as a 2026 World Cup host, the match held little significance and such a risk should not have been taken with a key player like Davies.
Bayern’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, echoed the concerns, calling Canada Soccer’s actions irresponsible. Expressing frustration during a press conference, he stated that the club, as Davies’ employer, would conduct a full investigation into the matter.
The loss of Davies adds to Bayern’s growing injury concerns. The club is already without captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and center-back Dayot Upamecano, who also suffered a long-term leg injury during the international break.
Reports from German media suggest Upamecano may be sidelined until the end of the season.
Despite their injury woes, Bayern remains in a tight title race, currently trailing Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen by six points.
The team will face St. Pauli at home on Sunday as they prepare for a crucial Champions League quarter-final clash against Inter Milan, with the final set to take place in Munich.
