Takehiro Tomiyasu’s dream of playing at the 2026 World Cup took another brutal hit on Tuesday when Japan confirmed the Ajax defender will miss upcoming friendlies against Scotland and England due to persistent injury problems.
The 27-year-old centre-back has been plagued by setbacks since leaving Arsenal last summer and now faces a desperate race against time to prove his fitness before the tournament kicks off in North America this June.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu had named Tomiyasu in his squad last week despite the player not featuring for the Samurai Blue since November 2024. The decision raised eyebrows, but the latest update from the Japan Football Association confirms the worst: Tomiyasu remains sidelined and will play no part in the crucial March preparation games.
A Transfer That Promised Revival But Delivered More Pain
Tomiyasu joined Ajax in the summer of 2025 hoping a new chapter would finally end his injury hell. It hasn’t worked out that way.
He managed just six minutes for Arsenal in the entire 2024-25 Premier League season because of a serious knee injury. The move to Amsterdam was meant to offer regular minutes and a fresh start.
Instead, the Japanese international has made only six appearances across all competitions for Ajax this campaign. Recurring knee and calf issues have kept him on the treatment table far more than the pitch.
Fans hoped the March international break would mark his long-awaited return to the national team setup. Those hopes are now dashed.
Tough Tests Await Japan Without Their Defensive Rock
Japan travel to Glasgow to face Scotland at Hampden Park on March 28 before heading to Wembley for a high-profile clash with England on March 31.
These matches represent Japan’s final major tests before the World Cup begins. Moriyasu will now be forced to experiment with defensive partnerships without one of his most trusted lieutenants.
Tomiyasu has been a cornerstone of Japan’s backline during their golden era. His absence leaves a significant void in both quality and leadership.
The Samurai Blue are in Group F alongside Netherlands, Tunisia, and a play-off winner. Every minute of preparation counts against such strong opposition.
Who Steps Up in Tomiyasu’s Absence?
Moriyasu still boasts depth in defence, but replacing Tomiyasu’s unique skill set is easier said than done.
Key alternatives include:
- Ko Itakura (Borussia Mönchengladbach) – reliable and composed
- Maya Yoshida (LA Galaxy) – veteran leader at 37 years old
- Koki Machida (Union SG) – emerging talent enjoying a breakout season
- Yuta Nakayama (Huddersfield Town) – versatile left-footed option
Itakura appears the most likely to partner Yoshida if Moriyasu sticks with experience. Younger options like Machida could get their chance against Scotland or England.
World Cup Clock Ticking for Japan’s Injured Star
The brutal reality for Tomiyasu is simple: he has less than three months to prove he can stay fit for a sustained period.
Japan’s World Cup campaign begins in June. National team staff will demand evidence of regular club minutes at Ajax between now and the final squad announcement.
If the injuries continue, Moriyasu may have no choice but to leave his star defender at home. It would be a heartbreaking end to what has been a stellar international career so far.
Tomiyasu has 42 caps and played every minute of Japan’s run to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup. Few players embody the modern Japanese defender quite like him: aggressive, quick, excellent in possession, and comfortable at both centre-back and right-back.
Losing him for the biggest tournament in history would hurt Japan badly.
The football world will watch Ajax’s remaining fixtures with keen interest. Every training session, every substitute appearance, every start will be scrutinised.
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s career has hit its toughest moment yet. The player who once looked destined to be Japan’s defensive leader for a decade now fights just to make the plane to North America.
Japan fans are sending messages of support across social media using #GanbareTomiyasu – a hashtag that has trended in Tokyo and beyond since Tuesday’s announcement.
Football can be cruel. Sometimes the hardest battles are fought not on the pitch, but in the physio room.
For Tomiyasu and Japan, these next ten weeks will define everything.
What do you think – can Tomiyasu make it back in time for the World Cup? Drop your thoughts below and use #GanbareTomiyasu if you’re rooting for his recovery.
