Japan’s Minamino injures ACL six months out from World Cup

AFP | London

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Monaco’s Japanese attacking midfielder Takumi Minamino has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, the Ligue 1 club announced on Monday, casting serious doubts over his ability to take part in the 2026 World Cup.

The former Liverpool player was injured during Monaco’s 2-1 win in their French Cup tie against Auxerre on Sunday.

The 30-year-old was stretchered from the field of play with his face in his hands.

Minamino, who has 26 goals in 73 caps for the Samurai Blue, is one of the key men in coach Hajime Moriyasu’s side.

Japan have been drawn in World Cup Group F alongside the Netherlands, Tunisia and a European play-off winner to be determined between Poland, Sweden, Ukraine and Albania.