Takehiro Tomiyasus World Cup Ambitions Threatened by Fresh Injury Blow

Last week, the 27-year-old earned his first national team call-up in nearly two years, though the latest setback means he will miss any chance to feature for his country ahead of head coach Hajime Moriyasus announcement of the World Cup roster.

Tomiyasu lined up from the start for Ajax in their Sunday encounter with Feyenoord, yet he gestured to the sidelines in evident pain following a fall and was withdrawn during the 73rd minute.

In an Instagram update, he referred to the issue as "part of a process".

"Haste makes waste. Do what you need to do," he added.

Japan face Scotland in Glasgow this Saturday, prior to meeting England at Wembley a mere three days afterwards.

The side finds itself in Group F, grouped with the Netherlands, Tunisia, plus an undecided European participant, for the World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico that kicks off on 11 June.

Tomiyasu departed Arsenal last July, despite having 12 months left on his agreement, to prioritise his recovery efforts.

He linked up with Ajax that December and resumed competitive football in January, his initial outings since October 2024, even if he has not managed a complete 90 minutes with his current team.

With 42 appearances for Japan under his belt, he participated in the 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar.

Having moved to Arsenal from Bologna back in August 2021, he racked up 84 outings in various competitions over the course of his London spell.