Alphonso Davies is set to make his long-awaited return for Canada in Sunday's World Cup knockout match against South Africa.
The left-back spoke to media in Los Angeles on Saturday, confirming his fitness for the last-32 clash.
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Canada head coach Jesse Marsch acknowledged the significance of Davies's return.
"Now that we have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform, it's a big moment for the team," Marsch said.
"It changes the potential of what our team is and what we can do in this tournament."
Return to the Scene of Injury
The match will be played at SoFi Stadium, where Davies suffered an ACL tear last March.
"Coming back to this stadium, [it's] like now I get to finish something I started a year ago and really enjoy playing [here]," Davies said.
Canada will also regain defender Moïse Bombito for the knockout stage.
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The team lost Ismaël Koné to a severe leg break during the group stage but is now strengthening as the tournament progresses.
South Africa, ranked 30 places below Canada in FIFA rankings, advanced after defeating South Korea.
Manager Hugo Broos said making the knockout stage is already a success but his team wants more. "We will have to be on our best level," Broos said.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena returns from suspension for South Africa. Canada vice-captain Stephen Eustáquio's fitness remains a concern after muscle fatigue limited his minutes against Switzerland.
The winner of this match will become the first team to secure a spot in the round of 16.
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Marsch emphasized readiness for the challenge ahead. "We're going to experience difficulty, we're going to experience success," he said.
