Japan's captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the World Cup due to a foot injury and announced his retirement from international football. The 33-year-old midfielder, who plays for Liverpool, sustained the injury during a match against Sunderland in February and has not been able to recover in time for the tournament.
Endo expressed his disappointment on social media but remains optimistic about Japan's chances in the tournament. Shuto Machino of Borussia Monchengladbach has been called up as his replacement.
Endo made his international debut in 2015 and played 73 matches, scoring 4 goals. He was part of Japan's squad in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Defender Ko Itakura will lead the team in his absence.
Japan faces additional setbacks with Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma and Monaco's Takumi Minamino also missing the tournament due to injuries.
