During the Japanese national team's training session on the afternoon of January 11th, midfielder Takefusa Kubo – the most highly valued player (60 million euros) in the team's squad for the 2023 Asian Cup – returned to normal training. This was the 2001-born player's first full training session with his teammates since joining the national team.
Prior to this, he trained individually under the guidance of a physiotherapist and fitness coach. Takefusa Kubo suffered a left quadriceps muscle injury in Real Sociedad's match against Alaves on January 3rd.
Takefusa Kubo has three days of training to regain his fitness and form in preparation for Japan's opening match against Vietnam on January 14th. Kubo's presence is crucial for coach Hajime Moriyasu, especially since the team will be without Kaoru Mitoma.
Takefusa Kubo has returned to training with the Japanese national team.
" I think everything is fine. The pain is no longer an issue. I will discuss this further with the medical team and the coach ," Kubo shared.
Over a year ago, Kubo participated in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with the Japanese national team. However, at that time, he was not a first-choice player for coach Hajime Moriyasu.
" My position is different now than when I last came to Qatar. I want to improve my skills. My goal is to win and make this tournament for Kubo ," the La Liga player expressed his determination.
" I play football because I want to become a player who attracts attention all over the world , so the current situation is very promising. In reality, I'm still at the starting line compared to my future plans. I haven't won any titles since turning professional. I need a championship at the continental or world level ."
Takefusa Kubo trained at Barcelona's La Masia academy. Upon turning professional, he played for Real Madrid but failed to secure a place in the team. Therefore, in the summer of 2022, the Spanish giants sold him to Real Sociedad.
Kubo immediately shone. In the 2022/23 season, he played 44 matches, scoring 9 goals and providing 7 assists to help Real Sociedad finish 4th in La Liga and qualify for the Champions League. This season, the 23-year-old midfielder has maintained his consistency with 6 goals and 3 assists.
Van Hai
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