Ex-Arsenal Defender Tomiyasu Handed World Cup Lifeline with Japan Recall

Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has been handed a potential World Cup lifeline after being recalled to the Japan national team for the first time in nearly two years.

The 27-year-old has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and mutually agreed to leave Arsenal in July 2025 with a year left on his contract to focus on recovery.

Tomiyasu later joined Ajax in December and made his return to action in January, marking his first appearance since October 2024. 

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu included him in the squad for upcoming friendlies against Scotland in Glasgow and England at Wembley later in March.

Moriyasu also recalled Bayern Munich defender Hiroki Ito, another player returning from injury, as part of efforts to strengthen the squad ahead of the World Cup.

“If you think of the potential of both players, if they are in good condition, then of course it would be a good thing if they were playing for Japan at the World Cup,” the coach said.

He added that the games would allow the players to reintegrate into the team and rebuild match fitness.

Tomiyasu has earned 42 caps for Japan and featured at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

However, injuries have limited his recent playing time, and he has yet to complete a full 90 minutes since returning to club action.

Japan have been drawn in Group F for the upcoming World Cup, where they will face the Netherlands, Tunisia, and a European qualifier.

The coach noted that despite the proximity of the tournament, opportunities remain open for players who can prove their fitness and contribute to the team’s performance.

Japan previously stunned Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup before exiting in the round of 16 on penalties to Croatia.