Japan's Wataru Endo Ruled Out of World Cup Due to Injury
Short overview
Japan midfielder Wataru Endo has been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury. Shuto Machino has been called up as his replacement.
Japan national team midfielder Wataru Endo has been ruled out of the upcoming FIFA World Cup due to an injury, the Japan Football Association announced. The 30-year-old Stuttgart player sustained the injury during training, forcing him to withdraw from the squad.
Replacement Announced
Shuto Machino, a forward for Japanese club Shonan Bellmare, has been named as Endo's replacement. Machino, 23, has earned two caps for the senior national team and will join the squad in Qatar.
Impact on Japan's Campaign
Endo's absence is a significant blow to Japan's midfield, as he has been a key player under manager Hajime Moriyasu. Known for his defensive work rate and passing ability, Endo has made 43 appearances for the national team. Japan will face Germany, Costa Rica, and Spain in Group E.
The Japan Football Association has not disclosed the specific nature of Endo's injury or the expected recovery timeline.
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