Alphonso Davies has been out of action for over 200 days. The 24-year-old Canadian international tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the CONCACAF Nations League third-place match against the United States in late March. Bayern Munich has been without their star left-back ever since that match.  

Due to the international match day, the streets of Sebena Street were unusually quiet. However, Alphonso Davies continued to undergo rehabilitation training at the training base, hoping to recover quickly and retrain with the team.  

Alphonso Davies said: “I’m running and training well now and just need to strengthen the muscles in my right leg. When the doctor first told me how long it would take, my first reaction was: ‘Wow, this is going to be a long journey , ’ but now everything is going well.”  

In addition to Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala has also been sidelined for several months due to a dislocated ankle and fibula fracture, and Hiroki Ito has been sidelined with a metatarsal fracture. Alphonso Davies has been with both of them through many difficult times at the rehabilitation center, and the three of them have frequently communicated and encouraged each other as they face the road to return together.  

“We meet up every day and motivate each other to stay positive,” he said. “It’s really important to have supportive people around you. There’s no point in complaining or dwelling on negativity.”  

Alphonso Davies has resumed individual training and ball work since early September. The plan is to train with head coach Vincent Kompany's squad, though a specific date has yet to be determined. Known for his explosive power and pace, the left-back is steadily progressing his recovery with patience and time.  

He said: "Such injuries are an inevitable part of sports. All I can do is to go all out to complete my recovery. The focus is not on returning as quickly as possible, but on returning to the court in a steady manner and trying to avoid similar injuries from happening again."  

However, for the Champions League winner, the biggest challenge wasn't the physical training or the intense workouts during recovery, but the mental aspect. Alphonso Davies admitted: "The whole process was much more mentally demanding than the physical. The muscles will eventually recover, but when you don't know how long you need to rest and whether you can still do certain things, that feeling is really difficult."  

"In the rehabilitation center, the training process constantly tests the limits of my body and mind. Sometimes my body sends me a signal that I have reached my limit. At this moment, only a strong will can support me to move forward. No one can work hard for you; everything depends on yourself."  

Regardless, the Canadian international is now full of confidence. He said: "The future is full of hope. The most difficult recovery phase is over for me. I am looking forward to returning to the team and returning to the field that I love."  

Despite Alphonso Davies' injury absence, Bayern Munich enjoyed a strong start to the season, securing their 10th consecutive victory in all competitions, thanks to the outstanding performances of versatile players like Konrad Laimer, Josip Stanisic, and Sasha Boy. Davies's return is imminent, and he expressed his eagerness to return to the pitch: "I can't wait to get back on the pitch, alongside my teammates, help the team win games, and fight for our common goal."