Arsenal star handed new injury blow ahead of World Cup clash
Takehiro Tomiyasu is reportedly doubtful for Sunday morning’s World Cup match between Japan and Costa Rica.
The 24-year-old returned from injury on Wednesday and helped his country upset the 2014 World Champions Germany 2-1 in their opening group match.
Tomiyasu missed Arsenal’s final two Premier League games of the season due to an injury suffered in the Europa League victory over FC Zurich.
However, he returned to action in Doha on Wednesday afternoon and contributed to one of the biggest upsets of the tournament as Qatar overcame Germany.
At halftime, with Japan behind 1-0 at the Khalifa International Stadium, the 24-year-old replaced Real Sociedad attacker Takefusa Kubo and played a pivotal part as Hajime Moriyasu’s squad scored twice to defeat one of the tournament favorites.
Japan’s remaining two games are against Costa Rica and Spain, and a victory on Sunday will improve their prospects of advancing to the round of 16.
Nevertheless, according to Yomiuri Online, both Tomiyasu and fellow right-back Hiroki Sakai are doubtful for the match at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium.
Kyodo News reported that Japan’s media officer confirmed Sakai had suffered a left hamstring injury the night before the game, while Tomiyasu was carrying a similar one on his right. Concerns about the pair’s fitness arose after the victory over Germany, when it was revealed that Sakai had suffered a left hamstring injury the night before the game, while Tomiyasu was carrying a
If both players are unavailable for Sunday’s game, Kawasaki Frontale defender Miki Yamane will start at right back. The 28-year-old has previously appeared in friendlies against Canada and Ecuador, but he was an unused substitute on Wednesday.
Arsenal star handed new injury blow ahead of World Cup clash
