The participation of the midfielder Takumi Minamino in the 2026 World Cup is at risk after a serious injury to his left knee was confirmed.
The player, currently in Monacosuffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the team’s 2-1 victory over Auxerre in France, last Sunday (21).
Monaco released a statement this Monday (22), confirming the diagnosis. “Our midfielder Takumi Minamino suffered an injury to his left knee. Medical examinations revealed a anterior cruciate ligament rupture“.
ACL injuries generally require a recovery period of six to nine months, which means Minamino is unlikely to be recovered in time for the 2026 World Cupwhich will take place from June 11 to July 19, in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Japan, , will face the Netherlands, Tunisia and a team coming from a playoff. The Japanese team’s debut will be on June 14, against the , in Dallas.
Minamino’s injury is a significant blow to Japanas the former Liverpool player accumulated 73 matches and 26 goals for the national team Samurai Blue.
His absence will also affect the season of Monaco, who sit ninth in Ligue 1 and are preparing to face Juventus in the group stage of the Champions League next month.
