Takehiro Tomiyasu is still taking part in an altered training schedule with Japan ahead of their game against Spain, as he recovers from injury.

DOHA, QATAR: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Japan controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Germany and Japan at Khalifa International Stadium on November 23, 2022. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
DOHA, QATAR: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Japan controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Germany and Japan at Khalifa International Stadium on November 23, 2022. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu picked up an injury with the Gunners ahead of the break for the World Cup, and he’s seemingly still struggling with that issue on international duty.

The Japan international managed to complete a half of football against Germany, coming off the bench as his side turned the game around from 1-0 down to win 2-1.

But the defender had to sit out the defeat to Costa Rica, despite being named on the bench.

The official JFA website reports that Tomiyasu has had discomfort in his legs. Though he took part in Monday’s training session, he had to adjust his programme as a result.

Tomiyasu was always expected to miss the Costa Rica game, but Japanese outlet Gekisaka.jp reported last week that he’s in contention for a comeback against Spain on Thursday.

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 23: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Japan competes for a header against the Germany defence during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Germany and Japan at Khalifa International Stadium on November 23, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
DOHA, QATAR: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Japan competes for a header against the Germany defence during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Germany and Japan at Khalifa International Stadium on November 23, 2022. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Whether there are any further matches to play after that will depend on the result of that game.

Japan should have already qualified for the knockout stages, as their win over Germany and Germany’s draw with Spain meant a win against Costa Rica would have been enough to send them through.

But they blew their opportunity, losing to Costa Rica. Japan now require either a win over Spain, or a draw whilst Costa Rica also draws against Germany – which seems unlikely.

There’s an even unlikelier progression scenario where Germany beat Costa Rica by one goal and Japan draw with Spain whilst scoring as many goals as Germany (or more).

For example, if Germany win 1-0, and Japan draw 1-1, both teams will have four points, a goal difference of zero, and three goals scored. In that case, Japan would go through on their head-to-head record.

Realistically, Spain and Germany probably win their games and Japan go home. But we all said the same before the Japan win against Germany, and Tomiyasu’s inclusion at the back could give his side a shot.