The full WC squad list will probably come out in mid-May or so. Except for Minamino and now Suzuki, I don't think anyone is 100% certain to miss out. There are some players that are still doubtful like Endo, Machida, Tomiyasu. At least Kubo is back so there is that.
These last few weeks and upcoming ones is scary for any soccer fan that has an team in the WC. An injury or two on keyplayers is absolutely devestating.
Injuries to key players in the weeks before the start of the World Cup are unfortunately largely unavoidable.
I hope for the injured Suzuki, Moriyasu will call up Samakoto, Kitano or Mito. I guess it's unlikely but the all are playing solid till good seasons. Please no Machino instead.
Yeah that's true. But I wouldn't have any pain to start with one or them also. Suzukis injury is not the worst of the worst cause likely he wouldn't start so in best case we didn't feel his absence that much but nonetheless he played a really good first season for Freiburg and is a very talented player. My guess is that Kodai Sano will take his place as a No 10, which is also very good.
Is it really a success story and worthy of a World Cup call-up when you play at Coventry City at nearly 30 years old? But he is a winger at least, I'll give you that.
My main concern is his almost total lack of international football experience, he was last called up in 2021 I believe and only made 2 appearances.
No I mean Isa Sakamoto of course, the 22 year old CAM from Westerlo. Great talent + he has experience at youth tournaments. I think he is great. No second league players, please.
Ah my bad. Better pick I guess although he has even less international experience than Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, meaning none.
Moriyasu especially lately is not very known for relying on J-League players, he tends to call only a few besides the goalkeepers (minus Suzuki). Against Scotland and England, only Ryunosuke Sato was called up.
Wouldn't say it's tight on any position to be honest, not even close. Not optimal of course but Japans depth is crazy. Only Endo, Suzuki, Minamino and Machida are out, maybe Tomiyasu and Itakura (he is no real loss). Of course those are brutal quality players and no doubt it would be way better to have those but the others are even in quality or close to it. Of course it shouldn't be more injurys. Or do you mean the rivals are tight ? To Isa Sakamoto he is very experienced on youth level, played a U20 WC, a U20 Asia Cup and scored 7 goals in 13 games for Japan. Sure, a youth tournament is not the same but Sakamoto has quite a lot experience for his age. I would call him even when we have zero injuries. I think he is a perfect fit and hope Moriyasus will call him for Suzuki.
Yes . Tight in as it is very big competition on every position. Theres not much place for any outsiders this time.
Moriyasu said that there is a chance for Yuito Suzuki but I don't think he'll go. Most of the squad is settled already which is good imo. Nagatomo returned last weekend and was caught on his heels for a goal vs JEF United. Having him in the squad would be preposterous, just have him as a training player or a coaching member instead!
It's not like Nagatomo will be in the starting 11 anyways, maybe in the third group game if Japan is already through. Of the entire 2010 World Cup squad, he is the only one still being considered for this World Cup 16 years later.
Well yes we agree, I'm not saying he should be called up and it's wasting someone else's place definitely.
If he is so important. Bring him in the stab. Like Nakamura. For those who watch j league im pretty sure he isnt that amazing.