Takumi Minamino has suffered a devastating blow, as a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament will likely force him out of the upcoming World Cup. The 30-year-old Monaco midfielder sustained the serious left knee injury during Sunday's 2-1 French Cup triumph over Auxerre.
Medical examinations confirmed the tear, and the standard six-to-nine-month recovery window means he will almost certainly miss the tournament held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer. Japan must now navigate Group F, starting June 14 against the Netherlands in Dallas, without a talisman who has contributed 26 goals in 73 international appearances.
This absence creates a massive void for the Samurai Blue. Additionally, Monaco faces a difficult remainder of the season while sitting ninth in Ligue 1. They must approach crucial Champions League group stage matches against European powerhouses Real Madrid and Juventus next month without Minamino, adding significant pressure to their domestic and continental campaigns.