Tomiyasu from Ajax Earns First Japan Selection Since 2024, Ex-NEC Star Shiogai Secures Debut Spot

The 27 year old has battled persistent injuries and opted to exit Arsenal in July of last year, even with 12 months remaining on his agreement, to prioritise his recovery efforts.

He moved to Ajax in December and resumed playing in January, marking his initial appearance since October 2024.

Japan will meet Scotland in Glasgow on 28 March, then face England at Wembley just three days after, with manager Hajime Moriyasu selecting both Tomiyasu and Bayern Munich defender Hiroki Ito, who is also back from injury.

"Considering the abilities of these two players, should they be fully fit, it would undoubtedly benefit Japan to have them at the World Cup," Moriyasu stated.

"I anticipate their fitness levels rising even more in the lead up to the tournament."

"Since their previous inclusions, it has been some time, so I hope these matches help them reconnect with the squad's dynamics," he continued.

For the World Cup this summer across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Japan find themselves in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Tunisia, and a European play off winner.

Tomiyasu boasts 42 international appearances for Japan and featured in the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

He transferred to Arsenal from Bologna back in August 2021, accumulating 84 outings in various competitions throughout his stint in the capital.

"Tomiyasu has not yet played a complete 90 minutes for Ajax, but I have observed his readiness to feature," Moriyasu noted.

Injuries have impacted his lineup, notably with absences of Monaco attacker Takumi Minamino and Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo from the March internationals.

Kento Shiogai Gains Debut Call

Wolfsburg striker Kento Shiogai received his initial national team summons, and Moriyasu emphasised that pathways to the World Cup remain accessible.

"As the World Cup approaches, certain voices may claim experimentation should end with focus on locking in the roster," he remarked.

"Yet, to achieve victory there, we must include talents capable of elevating our performance to its peak."

During the Qatar edition, Japan delivered shocks by defeating Germany and Spain, prior to a penalty shootout exit against Croatia in the knockout stage.