Japan recall Mainz forward Muto for Thailand, UAE ties
>> TOKYO: Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic has recalled Mainz striker Yoshinori Muto as he named a 24-man squad for the upcoming Asian finalround World Cup qualifiers against the United Arab Emirates and Thailand.
Muto returns after a lengthy spell sidelined through injury, joining a strong squad that features AC Milan attacker Keisuke Honda, Borussia Dortmund’s Shinji Kagawa and Leicester City striker Shinji Okazaki.
The squad also includes Arsenal striker Takuma Asano and Kawasaki Frontale midfielder Ryota Oshima, who both played for Japan’s U23s at the just-concluded Rio Olympics.
Japan kick off the final round in Group B at home to the UAE in Saitama on Sept 1 looking to exact revenge for their quarter-final penalty shoot-out defeat at last year’s Asia Cup. The Blue Samurai travel to Bangkok to play Thailand on Sept 6.
Muto is back after injuring his knee in February and aggravating it upon his return late in March. Halilhodzic said he would take a look at Muto before deciding whether he is ready to play, but says he has been given assurances by Mainz’s medical staff.
“Muto is coming back from injury but he is training well. He didn’t play in the last game but could play in the start of the [Bundesliga] season [this weekend]. I have been told by their medical staff I can have peace of mind in calling him up,” said Halilhodzic.
Halilhozic also said he wanted a good look at Asano, who recently joined Arsenal but will be loaned out to a club outside Britain this season after failing to get a work permit.
Asano was part of the Japan U23 team that was knocked out in the group phase in Rio.
Halilhozic added: “Asano is in a difficult situation. I don’t know who told him to come back to Japan after the Olympics, but someone told him to rest. I’m not sure whether he will play in the first match [against] UAE, but I trust him.
“I called up Oshima and Asano for the Kirin Cup [in June] and they confirmed that they should be called up again after the way they played at the Olympics. I want to keep on putting my faith in young players.”