Japan attacker Takefusa Kubo was forced off in the second half of Samurai Blue's dramatic 2-2 World Cup draw against Holland in Dallas. The Real Sociedad starlet sustained a knee injury following a collision with Denzel Dumfries and left the stadium in a wheelchair.
Injury Details
Kubo was able to walk off the field after signalling he could not continue on 75 minutes, though he moved gingerly and was later seen grimacing as he hobbled around the edge of the pitch at full-time. Post-match, the 25-year-old told Spanish TV: "I think I'm okay but let's see how it goes." However, the issue worsened and Kubo was spotted being pushed in a wheelchair within the stadium's bowels.
Medical Assessment
Mirror Football contacted the Japanese Football Association, who confirmed the nimble dribbler did not go to the hospital for checks. Instead, he will be assessed by Japan's medical staff internally as they head back to their team base in Nashville, Tennessee. Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu stated: "I haven't received a detailed report from the medical staff yet. He was walking on his own, so I hope it's just a minor injury."
Social Media Update
Kubo posted on Instagram, offering optimism: "There's still a long way to go. Thank you for your support. We're just getting started."
Match Recap
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk had headed the opener for Holland before Japan hit back through Reims attacker Keito Nakamura. Holland then restored the lead via West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, but Japan rescued a point at the death courtesy of Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada.
Japan's World Cup Campaign
Samurai Blue return to action on Saturday against Tunisia in Monterrey. Ahead of the tournament, Japan were rocked by Wataru Endo's withdrawal due to an ankle injury sustained with Liverpool, leading to his retirement.
