Davies out of Canada opener, Bosnia handed World Cup boost

Davies out: Canada without their star for Friday's opener

Canada will be without Alphonso Davies for Friday's World Cup opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Manager Jesse Marsch confirmed the Bayern Munich left-back is not ready: "We did an MRI yesterday, he's healing incredibly well, but not at 100% just yet." (1)

This is a huge break for your side. Davies is Canada's best player by some distance, and facing the co-hosts in their own stadium was always going to be tough. Without his pace on the left flank, Canada lose their most dangerous attacking outlet.

The match kicks off Friday as both teams begin their Group B campaign, with Qatar and Switzerland waiting in the later fixtures.

Marsch confirms Bombito and Koné are fit

Canada's manager Jesse Marsch also confirmed that Moïse Bombito and Ismaël Koné are fit and available despite recent injury concerns. (2) Both are expected to start.

Koné, for his part, told Italian outlet Repubblica that facing Bosnia suits Canada better than a matchup with Italy would have: "In Toronto so many would have cheered for Italy, better to face Bosnia." (8) The midfielder clearly sees this as a favourable opener, but Bosnia have a real opportunity to punish that confidence.

What the bookmakers say

Bosnia enter the tournament as outsiders. A World Cup betting preview notes that Sergej Barbarez's side, led by veteran striker Edin Dzeko, face an uphill battle to progress from Group B. (6) The odds reflect the challenge, but taking points from a Davies-less Canada in the first match would shift the picture dramatically.

Fan reactions

The news of Davies being ruled out has landed well among neutrals on r/soccer, where many see this as a major boost for Bosnia's chances of getting a result in the opener against the co-hosts. Read more on Reddit