MUNICH-
Canadian star Alphonso Davies suffered a “brain bruise” after taking a kick to the face in Bayern Munich’s 2-2 draw at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Bayern Munich say the 21-year-old from Edmonton “feels good under the circumstances” but was unable to train on Sunday. There was no mention of a timeline for his return.
Davies, meanwhile, posted a brief video on Instagram.
“I just want to say thank you everyone for the kind messages and I can’t wait to be back on the pitch soon. Thank you,” Davies, wearing a hoodie, said with a smile.
The club said the bruise was revealed by medical tests. Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann spoke of a suspected concussion after the game.
Davies was injured in the 45th minute at Signal Iduna Park while challenging Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham for the ball. The England midfielder, using his body to shield the ball from Davies, kicked the ball high with his right foot, looking to pivot and drive it away from the Bayern back.
Davies got his head on the ball first and Bellingham’s boot connected to his face, not the ball. Davies then fell to the ground, clutching his face.
He received treatment and looked unsteady as he was helped off the pitch on the eve of half-time. He didn’t see any other action
Dortmund rallied to level the game 2-2 on goals in the 74th and 95th minutes after Bayern went up 2-0.
Bellingham took to social media after the game, referring to Davies after applauding his team’s comeback while extending his hand to the Canadian.
“Apologies for the collision @AlphonsoDavies. Hope you feel better ASAP,” he wrote.
With the World Cup looming next month, Davies’ health will be a concern for John Herdman. The Canadian coach is already awaiting the return of Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan Osorio after hitting his head in a mid-July game in Chicago.
Davies’ season was cut short after he developed symptoms of myocarditis, a mild heart condition, following an episode of COVID-19. He returned in early April after not playing since mid-December.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 9, 2022
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