Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to miss Japan’s match against Costa Rica on Sunday, but he should return in time for their final group game against Spain.

After missing training sessions with Japan this week due to discomfort in his right thigh, Japanese outlet Gekisaka.jp report that Takehiro Tomiyasu returned to training with the side on Friday.

Speaking to the media, Tomiyasu admitted he didn’t feel good throughout his appearance against Germany.

“I was playing against Germany, feeling uncomfortable as soon as I entered,” Tomiyasu said, before adding: “It wasn’t that bad.”

But despite that injury trouble and his absence from sessions this week, Tomiyasu’s World Cup tournament isn’t over yet.

The Japanese media report that the Arsenal defender is likely to miss the game against Costa Rice this weekend, but he’s in contention for a comeback against Spain next Thursday.

Whether there are any further matches to play after that will depend on the results of those games, but Japan gave themselves a great chance with their win over Germany.

If they can beat Costa Rica, and if Germany fail to beat Spain, then Japan would make the knockout stages on Sunday.

But when you have Germany and Spain for competition, it could all easily still go wrong.