Closed practice booklet 2 people all absent
It is likely to lose against Costa Rica
| Hiroki Sakai of the Japan national team – Capture on Instagram Hiroki Sakai of the Japan national team – Capture on Instagram |
The Japan national soccer team was in an emergency with key defender injuries ahead of the second leg of the group stage of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Those who led the 2-1 victory in the match against Germany will be separated from the front line, obscuring the future agenda.
On the 26th, Daily Sports, a Japanese sports media, reported: “Japanese national team Hiroki Sakai’s absence from the Costa Rica match has become influential. The national team had private training, but Sakai avoided training due to a left thigh injury.” In an interview with local media, Sakai was asked about his trip to the second game: “I think so actually, but the coach hasn’t said anything yet. It must be the director’s idea,” hinting at a possible absence.
Daily Sports reported, “Sakai started the match against Germany, but when he was substituted in the 30th minute of the second half, he displayed careful leg demeanor.” Regarding the condition of the injury, he said: “Of course there is pain, but there is no withdrawal during the match just because of the pain.”
Along with Sakai, Takehiro Tomiyasu, a key player in Japan’s defense, was also sidelined from training due to injury. As a result, only 24 out of 26 Japan national team players reportedly started training that day. However, it was reported that Sakai received a detailed diagnosis in the hospital, but Tomiyasu did not go to the hospital. Tomiyas also suffered frequent injuries at Arsenal.
Japan, who beat Germany, tried to secure passage to the round of 16 of the World Cup by overcoming Costa Rica, but the possibility of key defenders leaving has increased.
Reporter Jeong Chul-soon
