Takefusa Kubo has started light running after a left knee injury, giving Japan a cautious fitness boost during its 2026 World Cup campaign.
Japan received a cautious fitness boost at the World Cup after Takefusa Kubo began light running as part of his recovery from a left knee injury, Varzesh3 reported.
Kubo, the 25-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder, was injured in Japan’s match against the Netherlands and underwent an MRI the following day, when the injury was confirmed. His return to running does not amount to a full comeback, but it is the clearest sign yet that he has moved into a more active stage of rehabilitation.
The midfielder appeared before training wearing Japan’s No. 8 shirt and joined the team’s group photo. He then spent time indoors before returning to the field, where he completed light running under the supervision of the team’s fitness coach.
Kubo did not travel with Japan for its second match in Monterrey, remaining at the team hotel to receive treatment and continue his recovery work. His absence has left Japan waiting on one of its most prominent attacking midfield options during the group stage.
The next target is Japan’s third group match against Sweden in Dallas, though the timing of Kubo’s return remains uncertain. The report said he hopes to be available for that match or at some point afterward, depending on how his recovery progresses.
For Japan, the immediate encouragement is that Kubo is back on the grass and running again. Whether that becomes a match-day return will depend on how his knee responds in the coming days.
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