Takehiro Tomiyasu has been ruled out of Japan’s friendlies against Scotland and England due to injury, damaging the Amsterdam defender’s hopes of making the squad for this year’s World Cup in North America.
Tomiyasu, 27, was called up by Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu last week despite not playing for the national team since 2024.
The defender left Premier League club Arsenal last year after playing just six minutes in the 2024/25 season due to a knee injury. Since his move to Ajax, his injury problems have continued, meaning he has made just six appearances in all competitions.
Japan will play Scotland at Hampden Park on Saturday before playing England at Wembley on March 31. The matches are an important part of the preparations for the World Cup, where the country is in Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia and a play-off winner.
Published on March 25, 2026
