"Alphonso Davies is back!" - Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann
Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann has received a major boost ahead of his Bundesliga bow with the record German champions, after the new Bayern boss revealed that Canada international Alphonso Davies is ready to feature in Friday's curtain-raiser against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
The 20-year-old damaged ligaments in his left ankle during Canada’s Gold Cup preparations this summer, and only returned to light training last week having successfully undergone his rehabilitation in Munich.
Fittingly for the fastest player in Germany, Davies' recovery has rapidly gathered pace and Nagelsmann will now have Bayern's Road Runner at his disposal sooner than first thought.
"Phonzy is back," Nagelsmann told media ahead of his first competitive game in charge of Bayern. "He's an option to start, but it's probably too soon for him to play the full 90 minutes. I want to wait for our final training session. It's important, especially with an eye on next week, that he gets playing time."
Watch: Davies' landmark season
One player that the former Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig tactician will be unable to call upon against Gladbach is Benjamin Pavard.
The French FIFA World Cup winner has suffered a ligament injury to his left ankle and will now miss the start of the new campaign.
Nagelsmann described Pavard's absence as "very frustrating" as he sets out to earn Bayern a 10th successive title in his first season in the Allianz Arena dugout, and the 34-year-old is all too aware of the target on his and his club's back this term.
He added: "Every team has that extra motivation when facing Bayern. Everyone wants to prevent us from winning our 10th straight title."
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Gladbach, who have a new coach of their own in the form of Adi Hütter, will be the first team looking to claim Bayern's scamp in what is a stern first test for Nagelsmann - albeit one he is looking forward.
"Gladbach have a strong and ambitious squad. They are a tough opponent to open the season against," he said of upcoming opposition that beat Bayern 2-0 in a friendly just two weeks ago.
"It's always exciting when the season gets back underway. It's a mix of excitement and anticipation."
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