[Japan National Team] Shockwave Just Before World Cup Squad Announcement — Kaoru Mitoma Out 2 Months, Yuito Suzuki Undergoes Surgery for Collarbone Fracture. Bright Signs for Takumi Minamino
With the World Cup squad announcement on May 15 just 2 days away, the Japan national team has been hit by a shockwave. Kaoru Mitoma is out for 2 months with a left hamstring strain, while Yuito Suzuki has already undergone surgery for a right collarbone fracture. Meanwhile, Takumi Minamino, who has been on an extended absence, has resumed ball training, offering a glimmer of hope for his return.
With just two days remaining until the WC 2026 squad announcement on May 15, shock and hope are colliding for the Japan national team. Ace forward Mitoma Kaoru (28 = Brighton) has suffered a left hamstring strain with an estimated two-month recovery, while Suzuki Yuito (23 = Freiburg), who had rapidly emerged as the top candidate for the left shadow role, has undergone surgery for a fractured right clavicle. On the other hand, Minamino Takumi (31 = Monaco), who had been sidelined since last December, has resumed ball work and entered the final stage of his recovery. Here is the latest status of all three injured players.
local_fire_department Mitoma Kaoru injures left hamstring on May 9 — two-month recovery estimated
In Matchday 36 of the Premier League on May 9, Brighton vs. Wolverhampton. Mitoma Kaoru went down clutching the back of his left thigh while chasing a long pass just over ten minutes into the second half, and was substituted off. Shocking scenes of him leaving the stadium on crutches after the match were also reported.
- Match ― May 9, 2026, Premier League Matchday 36, Brighton vs. Wolverhampton (second half / substituted off)
- Injury ― Back of left thigh (hamstring)
- Diagnosis ― Muscle strain strongly suspected, reported recovery estimate of approximately two months
- Brighton manager's view ― Fabian Hürzeler: "It's definitely the hamstring. It's not in a great state."
- Manager Mochizuki's reaction ― "I've been told the impression is that it is not a minor injury."
If the reported two-month recovery holds, he would return in early July. That puts him out of the article June 14 match against the Netherlands — the opening group stage game — but there remains a possibility he could be fit for the knockout rounds (from June 29 onward).
Manager Moriyasu has stated ahead of the squad announcement, "If a player is able to play during the World Cup and fight at high intensity, then they are a candidate for selection," leaving ample room for a selection call despite the injury. Past examples — Japan's Real Sociedad MF Kubo Takefusa returning from a similar hamstring injury in around three months, and Genk MF Ito Junya returning in around two months — mean that, depending on his recovery pace, deployment during the tournament itself is a realistic possibility.
star Suzuki Yuito undergoes surgery for fractured right clavicle — "I should make it in time for the World Cup"
The 23-year-old left-footed forward, who had rapidly emerged as the top candidate for the left shadow role, was also struck by a devastating setback. On May 3 in a Bundesliga match between Freiburg and Wolfsburg, he fractured his right clavicle in a heavy collision with an opponent. He has already undergone surgery, and an indefinite absence has been announced.
- Match ― May 3, 2026, Bundesliga, Freiburg vs. Wolfsburg
- Injury ― Right clavicle
- Response ― Surgery already completed, indefinite absence announced
- Player's comment (after the Braga match) ― "I'm doing well. The Europa League final is obviously out of the question, but I should make it in time for the World Cup."
Suzuki had enjoyed a breakout season in the Bundesliga, posting a career-high 12 goals, and had been expected to bring a fresh dimension to the Moriyasu Japan attack. The news came as a shock to fans, but the player himself is looking ahead with a positive attitude and indicated he expects to be fit for the World Cup finals.
According to local reports, Suzuki's former club Brøndby had included a "World Cup appearance bonus" clause in the contract governing his transfer to Freiburg, meaning he would miss out on a bonus of approximately ¥370 million if he were unable to participate.
sports_soccer Minamino Takumi resumes ball work — Monaco manager: "He might make the World Cup"
Minamino Takumi suffered a serious rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during a Monaco league match last December, and was initially reported to be facing a race against time for the World Cup. However, he has continued to deliver positive news at a remarkable pace of recovery.
- May 7, 2026 ― Shared footage of ball work on the pitch via his Instagram account, with the message: "One step at a time, steadily!"
- Training content ― Has also returned to dribbling movements
- Monaco manager's comment ― Gave an upbeat response, stating "He might be able to make the World Cup."
The "return update" delivered just over a week before the squad announcement gave fans a major boost. While more time is still needed before a return to competitive action, with both Mitoma and Suzuki sidelined in quick succession, the scenario of Minamino being called up regardless — to fill the void left in the attacking line — is becoming increasingly realistic.
info Injury status summary — three key players
- Mitoma Kaoru (28 / Brighton) ― Left hamstring injury on May 9, 2026. Muscle strain strongly suspected, estimated two-month recovery. Selection decision to be based on diagnosis and the player's own wishes.
- Suzuki Yuito (23 / Freiburg) ― Fractured right clavicle on May 3, 2026; surgery completed, indefinitely sidelined. Player has commented: "I should make it in time for the World Cup."
- Minamino Takumi (31 / Monaco) ― Ruptured left knee ACL in December 2025, currently on long-term leave. Resumed ball work on May 7, 2026; possibility of participation now emerging.
calendar_month Squad announcement at 14:00 on May 15 — the decision rests with Manager Moriyasu
The Japan Football Association (JFA) will announce a squad of up to 26 players for the World Cup at a press conference beginning at 14:00 on May 15, attended by JFA President Miyamoto Tsuneyoshi, National Team Director Yamamoto Masabumi, and Manager Moriyasu Hajime. The event is scheduled to be streamed live on the JFA's official YouTube and Instagram channels.
The WC 2026 North, Central America and Caribbean tournament kicks off on June 11. Japan's opening group stage match is the article June 14 clash against the Netherlands. Roughly one month remains.
- Will Mitoma be called up regardless, with hopes pinned on a return mid-tournament?
- Who will be named as Suzuki's replacement in the left shadow role?
- Will Minamino be taken to North America without any competitive minutes under his belt?
The decisions facing Manager Moriyasu are the toughest of any tournament in recent memory. Right up until the day of the announcement, every possible scenario will remain in play in squad predictions.
info Key sources
- Mitoma faces World Cup doubt... left hamstring strain, two-month recovery estimated (Sponichi Annex / Yahoo! News) open_in_new
- Manager Moriyasu on Mitoma injury: "The impression is that it is not a minor injury..." (Gekisaka) open_in_new
- "I should make it in time for the World Cup" — Suzuki Yuito opens up on his injury condition after clavicle fracture (Soccer Digest Web) open_in_new
- Suzuki Yuito fractures right clavicle... a major blow to the Japan national team (Soccer King) open_in_new
- Monaco's Minamino Takumi begins ball work in training (Sponichi Annex / Yahoo! News) open_in_new
- Japan national team World Cup squad announcement confirmed for May 15! (Soccer King) open_in_new