Japan have been dealt a major setback ahead of the FIFA World Cup after winger Kaoru Mitoma was ruled out of the tournament because of injury.
The 28-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during Brighton & Hove Albion’s 3-0 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu confirmed on Friday that Mitoma would not be included in the squad for the tournament.
“The medical team assessed that it would be difficult for him to get back to fitness during the tournament,” Moriyasu said while announcing his squad in Tokyo.
Mitoma’s absence is considered a significant blow for Japan as the winger has been one of the team’s standout performers in recent years.
He scored the winning goal in Japan’s 1-0 friendly victory over England national football team at Wembley in March and also played a key role in the country’s shock victories over Germany national football team and Spain national football team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Japan eventually lost to Croatia national football team on penalties in the last 16.
Another major absentee is Takumi Minamino, who was left out after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in late December while playing for AS Monaco FC.
Japan have been drawn in Group F alongside the Netherlands national football team, Sweden national football team, and Tunisia national football team.
Their opening match will be against the Dutch in Arlington, Texas on June 14.
Despite concerns over injuries, Takehiro Tomiyasu was included in the 26-man squad even though he has not featured for Japan since June 2024.
Other notable players selected include Daichi Kamada, Wataru Endo, and Takefusa Kubo.
Kento Shiogai, who earned his first international cap in Japan’s 1-0 win over Scotland in Glasgow in March, also made the squad.
Japan World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers:
Zion Suzuki, Keisuke Osako, Tomoki Hayakawa
Defenders:
Yuto Nagatomo, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito, Ayumu Seko, Yukinari Sugawara, Junnosuke Suzuki
Midfielders/Forwards:
Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Koki Ogawa, Daizen Maeda, Ritsu Doan, Ayase Ueda, Ao Tanaka, Keito Nakamura, Kaishu Sano, Takefusa Kubo, Yuito Suzuki, Kento Shiogai, Keisuke Goto
