Take Kubo starts running again, but misses Sweden as last 16 bid continues | OneFootball

Take Kubo has resumed light running as Japan carefully manage his knee sprain. According to Diario Vasco, his recovery is progressing.

On Monday he jogged in trainers alongside a coach at a very slow pace, taking care not to stress the area. He also worked indoors on strength to continue his rehabilitation.

Japan will not rush him, and he will not feature against Sweden in the early hours of Friday, 1.00am. He is only trotting and has not yet touched the ball, so that fixture comes too soon.

Japan have qualification secured because group F appears to have one of the best third-placed teams. They are currently second, so would face group C leaders, currently Brazil under Ancelotti and with Vinicius.

If they finish top, needing to overhaul the Netherlands with whom they are level on points, they would meet group C runners-up, currently Morocco.

The bracket remains open because group C also includes Scotland, who could still be first or second depending on results. Japan could also end up third, which would mean facing a group winner of similar calibre to Brazil.

Whatever happens, Kubo is pushing to make the last 16, though if time runs out he risks not playing again at this World Cup. Real Sociedad are relieved the injury is not serious after that blow from Dumfries, and he will take a holiday after Japan’s exit before joining pre-season slightly later than most team-mates.

Source: Diario Vasco