Takefusa Kubo
Ruled out against Sweden
Kubo (knee) has been officially ruled out of Japan's group stage finale against Sweden in Dallas on June 25 and will remain at the team's base camp in Nashville, the JFA confirmed, per Football Zone.
Analysis: Kubo sustained the knee injury after a collision in the second half of the match against the Netherlands, leaving the pitch in a wheelchair before undergoing thorough medical examinations the following day that confirmed a left knee injury. He did not travel with the squad for the Tunisia match in Monterrey, remaining at the base camp to continue his rehabilitation, and the decision has now been made that he will also stay behind in Nashville rather than make the trip to Dallas. A JFA official confirmed the situation, stating he will remain at the team's base while his teammates prepare for the crucial group stage finale.
Begins running on pitch
Kubo (knee) has begun running on his own, with his return inching closer though he will miss Thursday's match against Sweden, according to Diario Vasco.
Analysis: Kubo suffered a mild knee sprain in Japan's World Cup opener against the Netherlands and is running individually as he works through his recovery. A potential round of 32 appearance remains the target, though that will depend on Japan progressing from the group stage and how his rehabilitation continues to develop in the coming days.
Could return in knockout stages
Kubo (knee) suffered a minor sprain and is not expected to feature in the next few matches, though a return later in the tournament remains possible, according to Eric Bretos, the sporting director of Real Sociedad, per gekisaka. "He sustained a mild knee sprain. It is not a serious injury. There is a possibility of him returning. We need to watch how far the Japan team progresses, but he will not participate in the upcoming few matches."
Analysis: Kubo injured his left knee in Japan's World Cup opener against the Netherlands and will miss the next few matches, though the injury is not believed to be serious and is being described as a mild sprain. He could target a return in the knockout stage if Japan advance. He had started as a right sided forward and assisted the equalizer before going down in a second half collision that forced his substitution. An MRI in Tennessee confirmed he would remain with the squad, though he did not travel with the team for the match against Tunisia.
Still with squad, group stage in jeopardy
Kubo (knee) is staying with the Japanese squad but is in jeopardy of missing the group stage, according to JFA Officals, per Football Zone. We are not disclosing the full recovery timeline, but he is able to walk on his own and will not be leaving the squad."
Analysis: Kubo is still recovering from a knee injury as he didn't train today, although he has remained with the squad despite his possible absence. This is encouraging for the attacker, as it appears a return to this tournament is likely. However, this may depend on whether Japan can qualify for the knockouts, as it now appears a group stage return for Kubo could be unlikely. Either way, he will be doing his best to cure his knee and return as soon as possible.
Not training Wednesday
Kubo (knee) didn't take part in training Wednesday, per SportsHochi.
Analysis: Kubo wasn't involved in training during Wednesday's session and is set for a scan. He's not going to depart the squad, but it's more likely than not he plays no part during the next match vs. Tunisia. Junya Ito could come into the starting XI in place of Kubo.
Status uncertain after blow
Kubo (knee) was able to walk off the field after suffering an injury in Sunday's draw with the Netherlands and commented about his condition "I don't know, I really don't know. I think they got me from all sides.", DAZN reports.
Analysis: Kubo appeared to take a knock to the knee and received medical treatment before his exit from the game, in which he set up the first of Japan's goals. While the attacker is hopeful to avoid a major issue, he'll need to be assessed and could be at risk of missing the next World Cup matchup against Tunisia. His absence would significantly limit the team's dribbling talent and would be covered by either Junya Ito or Sunday's assist contributor Koki Ogawa.
Off with knee injury
Kubo was taken off the field in the 70th minute of Sunday's match against the Netherlands due to an apparent knee injury.
Analysis: Kubo looked to be struggling at times in the second half Sunday, which would lead to his eventual exit, leaving the field with medical attention and ice on his knee. This is a major storyline to watch for the team as they advance in the tournament, as he is a major part of the attack, their star young talent. He was replaced by Koji Ogawa after starting in the center of the attacking midfield, a possible replacement if he misses further time.
Creative heartbeat of Japan
Kubo has been named in Japan's World Cup squad and is expected to be the primary attacking threat and creative force for the Samurai Blue throughout the competition.
Analysis: Kubo made 24 La Liga appearances for Real Sociedad this season, contributing two goals and four assists while also winning the Copa del Rey in what was a positive if injury-affected campaign for the young winger. The left-footed right winger brings dribbling ability, quick feet and a creative vision that makes him Japan's most dangerous individual attacker, and manager Moriyasu will build much of Japan's attacking play around his ability to create chances and unlock defenses with his technical brilliance. Kubo heads into the World Cup as the player the entire nation will be watching most closely, and a deep run at the tournament could finally establish him as one of the best players in the world.
Makes first start since January
Kubo crossed once inaccurately, created a chance and made two interceptions during Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Getafe.
Analysis: Kubo was held off the scoresheet while tying for the team-high in interceptions. Kubo has combined for an assist, three chances created and two crosses since returning from a lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury. Wednesday was the attacker's first league start since January.
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