Ex-Arsenal defender Tomiyasu feels 'responsibility' to Japan at World Cup

The 27 year old last represented Japan two years ago and spent six months without a team following his departure from Arsenal in July of last year, as he concentrated on his recovery.

He joined Ajax in January but was compelled to withdraw from Japan's squad for March friendlies due to further injury issues.

Despite this, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu included him in the 26 man squad for the World Cup, which begins next month, and Tomiyasu is keen to grasp his opportunity.

"I feel a sense of responsibility because I was selected for the squad even under these circumstances," he said to journalists following a training session with the national team.

"I want to repay that trust through my displays on the pitch."

Japan have been placed in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia, and will face the Dutch in their opening match on June 14th in Dallas.

Tomiyasu will be competing for a starting berth as Japan aim to progress beyond the round of 16 for the first time.

He described his comeback to the side as "a long journey".

"Many things have occurred on the path to my selection for this World Cup, and I do not wish to forget that; I want to channel it positively," he stated.

"I want to remember that I cannot take my presence here for granted."

Tomiyasu has earned 42 caps and featured in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Japan shocked Germany and Spain before being eliminated on penalties by Croatia in the round of 16.

He mentioned that he wanted to ensure he savoured this year's tournament, which is being staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"To be honest, I did not feel that way last time when it was all finished," he admitted. "I believe I was too self-absorbed, and this time I intend to speak up if something needs to be expressed, and enter the tournament without over-analysing anything."