Minamino ruptures ACL, ending World Cup hopes for Japan International
Japan international Takumi Minamino’s hopes of playing in next year’s World Cup are in doubt after AS Monaco confirmed the midfielder suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
The 30-year-old sustained the injury during Monaco’s 2-1 victory over Auxerre in the French Cup on Sunday.
“Our midfielder Takumi Minamino suffered an injury to his left knee,” Monaco said in a statement on Monday. “Medical examinations revealed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.”
ACL injuries usually sideline players for six to nine months, making it unlikely that Minamino will recover in time for the World Cup, which is scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Japan, drawn in Group F, will face the Netherlands, Tunisia, and a playoff winner, opening against the Dutch on June 14 in Dallas.
Minamino’s absence is a significant blow for the Samurai Blue. The former Liverpool player has earned 73 caps and scored 26 goals for Japan.
The injury also poses a challenge for Monaco, who sit ninth in Ligue 1 and will face Real Madrid and Juventus in the Champions League group stage next month.
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