Takumi Minamino's World Cup hopes with Japan remain possible after ACL, says coach | OneFootball

Takumi Minamino’s hopes of playing at this summer’s World Cup with Japan have not been dismissed, despite the ACL injury that has left him unlikely to feature again this season for Monaco.

According to Get French Football News, Monaco manager Sébastien Pocognoli suggested the 31-year-old could yet make it, even though he has not played since damaging his ACL against AJ Auxerre at the end of December.

ACL recoveries usually take months, sometimes up to a year, and the initial assumption was that his tournament chances were over. Japan have already qualified for the World Cup.

Pocognoli told a press conference he wants all his players back before the season finishes, but accepted that may be difficult for Minamino and Mohammed Salisu, who sustained an ACL injury at the start of January.

“Maybe for ‘Taki’, there is hope for another competition at the end of the season,” Pocognoli said. Minamino has returned to the Principality after time in Japan, with that aim now in focus.

Source: Get French Football News