*This content was translated by AI.
It has been reported that Takafusa Kubo (25, Real Sociedad), forward for the Japan national football team, is not seriously injured.
Japanese media outlet 'Nikkan Sports' reported on the 15th that "Kubo moved on a wheelchair after the match but walked into the hotel on his own. He also indicated that the injury is not serious by saying he would monitor his condition."
Japan drew 2-2 with the Netherlands in the first match of Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers held at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, USA, on this day.
However, Japan faced the setback of having starting forward Kubo substituted due to injury. In the 26th minute of the second half, Kubo collided hard with 188cm tall defender Denzel Dumfries on the left flank. Kubo then fell off the pitch and struck his left knee hard. Although Kubo lightly jumped to check his condition, he eventually requested a substitution and collapsed near the touchline.
The media reported that "Kubo's expression while icing his injury on the bench was not gloomy. When Koki Ogawa, who set up the equalizing goal, approached, Kubo stood on his right leg only to offer a congratulatory greeting."
Immediately after the match, Kubo was moved on a wheelchair. According to the media, Kubo did not go to a hospital and received treatment only from medical staff. However, due to the injury, he did not pass through the mixed zone.
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu stated in a post-match press conference, "Kubo was able to walk on his own, but I hope it is a minor injury."
Even to concerned questions from foreign reporters, Kubo replied in Spanish, "It's fine. I tripped somewhere. I will monitor my condition."
Spanish media outlet DAZN reported that "Kubo carefully used his left knee while climbing the stairs on his own and had a smiling conversation with his parents and younger brother in the stands."
It continued, "Kubo returned to the base camp in Nashville on a chartered flight. Although he got off the bus using only his right leg, he walked into the hotel on his own, suggesting that his injury is not severe."
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*This content was translated by AI.
