Tomiyasu Earns Japan Call-Up After Injury Hiatus
In a significant development, Takehiro Tomiyasu, the former Arsenal defender, has received a call-up to the Japan national team for the first time since 2024. This opportunity comes as Japan prepares for friendly matches against Scotland and England. Tomiyasu’s return is particularly noteworthy as he has faced a challenging period plagued by injuries.
Transition from Arsenal to Ajax
The 27-year-old athlete had previously decided to part ways with Arsenal in July, taking this step to prioritize his rehabilitation with just one year remaining on his contract. His move to Ajax was finalized in December, allowing him to make his competitive return in January, marking his first appearance since October 2024.
Upcoming Matches and Expectations
Japan’s upcoming fixtures include a match against Scotland in Glasgow on March 28, followed by another against England at Wembley three days later. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has expressed optimism regarding Tomiyasu’s potential impact, stating that if both he and fellow injury returnee Hiroki Ito from Bayern Munich can maintain good form, they could become pivotal players at the World Cup.
Refamiliarization with the National Team
Moriyasu highlighted the importance of these matches for Tomiyasu and Ito to reacquaint themselves with the team’s dynamics, acknowledging the time that has passed since their last involvement. Tomiyasu has accumulated 42 caps for Japan and participated in the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar.
Squad Challenges and New Faces
Though Tomiyasu has not yet completed a full 90 minutes for Ajax, Moriyasu has noted his capability and readiness. The squad has been further impacted by injuries, with notable absences such as Monaco’s Takumi Minamino and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, both of whom will miss the March friendlies. In light of these challenges, Kento Shiogai from Wolfsburg has earned his inaugural call-up, with Moriyasu emphasizing the need for preparing players with high potential as they approach the World Cup.
Past Performance and Future Prospects
Japan enters the World Cup after a remarkable performance in Qatar, having stunned both Germany and Spain before exiting in the knockout stage against Croatia on penalties. This backdrop sets a high expectation for the team as they gear up for the international tournament taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
