Moriyasu confirms Takefusa Kubo out of Japan’s World Cup last 32 tie with Brazil | OneFootball

Hajime Moriyasu has confirmed Takefusa Kubo will miss Japan’s World Cup last 32 meeting with Brazil on Monday at 19:00. According to Diario Vasco, the Real Sociedad attacker has been ruled out by the knee injury suffered in the opening match.

The problem began in the debut against the Netherlands after a heavy collision with Denzel Dumfries, Real Madrid’s summer signing, which left Kubo in obvious pain as he departed the pitch.

Kubo has tried to accelerate his recovery by training alone and running on the grass in recent sessions. Moriyasu said he has not worked with the group, has been doing individual drills and running, so he will not face Brazil. If Japan progress, he could yet feature later in the tournament.

Japan already know how to play and win without one of their stars, having reshaped the XI in back-to-back games against Tunisia and Sweden. Moriyasu has forged a competitive unit that look a serious opponent.

Now comes Brazil, one of the favourites for the crown, a stage primed for another upset. Japan have shown recently they do not flinch against the giants, relying on organisation and belief, and will seek to make history with Kubo backing them from the stands.

Source: Diario Vasco