If he leaves again, he will be hit hard, and the defense will be wiped out ahead of two consecutive A matches in March
Mar 11, 2025
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Japan, led by head coach Hajime Moriyasu, will play Group C 7-8 in the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup against Bahrain (20th) and Saudi Arabia (25th). Japan ranks first with five wins and one draw (16 points) in the previous six games. The team has widened its gap with Australia (7 points) in second place and Indonesia (6 points) in third place. Depending on the results of the two consecutive A matches in March, which will be played at home, North Korea, China, and the U.S. can be confirmed early.
A variable has occurred. The defenders were out injured one after another. Japanese media Sports Hochi reported on the 10th 'There were consecutive injuries. Koki Machida (Ruyal Winion Saint-Jillouaz) is also on the verge of being sent off due to injury. Machida injured his right foot against Stendar Riege. He stepped down 14 minutes into the first half. If even Machida leaves, it will hurt Japan,' he reported.
The media reported 'Japan has recently left Tomiyasu Takehiro (Arnall) and Shogo Taniguchi (Sintriwydan) due to long-term injuries. Daiki Hashioka (Luton Town) has also been out for about a month. Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich) returned, but has yet to play full time. If Machida says it is difficult to convene, Seko Ayumu (Grathhofer), Sekine Hiroki (Stad Reims), and Takai Gota (Kawasaki) are likely to compete for selection with Itakura Ko (Borussia Mönchengladbach). From Moriyasu's point of view, the departure of the players who have played so far is of course painful. However, he said he is looking forward to what kind of player will come in instead and how he will melt into the team.
In addition, Japanese striker Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord Rotterdam) and midfielder Hidemasa Morita (Sporting) are said to be in poor physical condition. Koki Ogawa (NEC) is known to be in poor condition.
Meanwhile, Japan is scheduled to announce the squad for the March A match on the 13th.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
