SOCCER: Tomiyasu ruled out of Japan squad for games against Scotland, England

Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has been ruled out of the national team’s upcoming friendlies against Scotland and England due to injury, casting doubt on his hopes of featuring in this year’s World Cup in North America.

The 27-year-old, who recently joined Ajax Amsterdam, was called up by Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu last week, despite not having played for the national team since 2024.

Tomiyasu left Premier League side Arsenal last year after appearing for only six minutes in the 2024-25 season due to a knee injury. His fitness struggles have continued at Ajax, where he has managed just six appearances across all competitions.

Japan will face Scotland at Hampden Park on Saturday, followed by a match against England at Wembley on March 31. These friendlies are crucial as Japan prepare for the World Cup, where they are drawn in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Tunisia, and a playoff winner.

-Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Jamie Freed/Reuters