What’s next for soccer star Alphonso Davies after a heart ailment diagnosis?

Soccer star Alphonso Davies will be unavailable for Canada’s upcoming series of World Cup qualifiers later this month after he was diagnosed with inflammation of the heart muscle, following a recent outbreak of COVID-19.

Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann announced during a pre-match news conference in Germany on Friday that team doctors found signs of mild myocarditis in a follow-up exam on Thursday, after Davies tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday. January 4.

“The myocarditis is not too dramatic on ultrasound, but rather signs of inflammation,” Nagelsmann said. “However, it needs time to heal and that will certainly take some time.”

Davies’ agent, Nick Househ, told TSN’s Rick Westhead that the 21-year-old national standout, fully vaccinated after receiving his December booster, is feeling fine but will be out for at least four weeks. He will undergo weekly MRIs and Bayern team doctors will monitor his progress.

Davies will miss three games as Canada tries to qualify for the men’s World Cup for the first time since 1986: in Honduras on January 27, in Hamilton against the United States on January 29 and in El Salvador on February 2.

Here’s a closer look at what he’s dealing with off the field.

Q How common is myocarditis related to COVID-19?

TO It’s a very rare complication of COVID, says Dr. Diego Delgado, a cardiologist at the Peter Munk Heart Center of the University Health Network. Most patients, he adds, recover without long-term effects. “Permanent damage to the heart is very, very rare and is usually seen in patients with underlying heart conditions.”

Q What are the symptoms?

TO Common symptoms are chest pains, shortness of breath and palpitations, Delgado says, adding that most patients have minor symptoms.

Q How is it diagnosed?

TO There is no single proof. Doctors look at a combination of physical exams, blood tests, EKGs, echocardiograms, and cardiac MRIs. Cardiac MRI is probably the most important, says Delgado.

Q Does the COVID-19 vaccine help?

TO It can minimize the severity in the rare cases where a vaccinated person is diagnosed with myocarditis, the doctor says. Data released last week found the rate of myocarditis after vaccination to be two per 100,000 doses.

Q How is myocarditis treated?

TO For mild cases, with rest, adequate hydration and sometimes anti-inflammatory medication. More severe cases require antiviral therapy and/or corticosteroids.

Q How long does it take to recover?

TO Usually two to four weeks, says Delgado.

Q What would a doctor need to see before clearing an athlete back?

TO Cardiac MRI and blood tests normal.

Q What are the risks of returning too soon?

TO More serious inflammation of the heart muscle, which could cause an irregular heartbeat. Says Delgado: “It is very important that once a patient is diagnosed with this disease, they should be closely monitored by a specialist.”