Deprived of the international scene since last November, Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies will return to the Canadian team in June for matches against Iran, Curaçao and Honduras.
The 21-year-old Albertan has missed Canada’s last six games in their 2022 World Cup qualifying run due to myocarditis that developed after contracting COVID-19. He returned to action for Bayern on April 6, after an absence of nearly four months.
Three members of CF Montreal have also been selected by coach John Herdman in the roster of 25 players: defenders Alistair Johnston and Kamal Miller, as well as midfielder Samuel Piette.
Canada, currently ranked No. 28 in the world, will play a friendly against No. 21 Iran on June 5 at BC Place before kicking off their CONCACAF Nations League campaign four days later against Curacao (No. 79). On June 13, Canada will travel to Honduras to face the 82nd in the world.
The friendly match against Iran is not unanimous, due to the 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents killed in the crash of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752, shot down by an Iranian missile after its departure from Tehran, January 8, 2020.
An organization of the families of the victims of this theft has been opposed to this meeting since its announcement. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said this week that the Canada Border Services Agency will decide whether or not Iranian officials will be allowed into the country.
Canada’s formation:
Goalkeepers: Milan Borjan, Red Star Belgrade (Serbia); Maxime Crepeau, Los Angeles FC (MLS); Dayne St. Clair, Minnesota United (MLS).
Defenders: Samuel Adekugbe, Hatayspor FC (Turkey); Raheem Edwards, Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS); Doneil Henry, Los Angeles FC (MLS); Alistair Johnston, CF Montreal (MLS); Scott Kennedy, SSV Jahn Regensburg (Germany); Richie Laryea, Nottingham Forest (England); Kamal Miller, CF Montreal (MLS); Steven Vitoria, Moreirense FC (Portugal).
Midfielders: Stephen Eustaquio, FC Porto (Portugal); Atiba Hutchinson, Besiktas (Turkey); Mark-Anthony Kaye, Colorado Rapids (MLS); Jonathan Osorio, Toronto FC (MLS); Samuel Piette, CF Montreal (MLS).
Forwards: Charles-Andreas Brym, FC Eindhoven (Netherlands); Tajon Buchanan, Club Brugge KV (Belgium); Lucas Cavallini, Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS); Jonathan David, Lille OSC (France); Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich (Germany); David Hoilett, Reading FC (England); Luca Koleosho, RCD Espanyol (Spain); Cyle Larin, Besiktas (Turkey); Ike Ugbo, ES Troyes AC (France).