Takumi Minamino will be part of Japan¡¯s World Cup ?campaign despite still recovering from injury, with the forward taking on a ?mentorship role ?and looking to ¡°give maximum support¡± to the squad.
The Japanese ?international ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament?in his left knee while playing for AS Monaco in December, an injury that typically sidelines players for six to ?nine months, ending his hopes of featuring at the World Cup.
The 31-year-old¡¯s injury is a big ?blow for Japan. The former Liverpool player has made 73 appearances and scored 26 goals for Samurai Blue.
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