Takehiro Tomiyasu returned to the starting lineup for Japan as they reached the knockout stages of the AFC Asian Cup, where they could face South Korea.

Japan have been integrating Takehiro Tomiyasu slowly at the AFC Asian Cup so far, following the Arsenal defender’s recent injury.

The 25-year-old played no part in Japan’s opening game against Vietnam, then he played 45 minutes as a substitute against Iraq, before finally making a start against Indonesia on Wednesday.

Tomiyasu ended up playing 82 minutes for his national team, helping them into a 2-0 lead. There were a couple more goals after he went off, so the match finished 3-1.

But that was enough to see Japan through to the knockout stages as group runners-up, with Iraq winning all three Group D matches to finish top.

It also meant Japan are still yet to concede in 127 minutes with Tomiyasu on the pitch, whilst they’ve let in five goals in their 143 minutes without him.

Japan could now face a very tough test in the next round, as their runners-up finish means they’ll take on the winners of Group E.

Jordan currently lead Group E on goal difference, but South Korea are in a great position to top the group. They face eliminated Malaysia in their final game, whilst Jordan take on a Bahrain side with everything still to play for.

The stage is seemingly set for Spurs’ Son Heung-min to take on Arsenal’s Tomiyasu in the knockout stages, but we’ll have to wait on the results of the final Group E fixtures.

South Korea and Jordan both play their matches at 11:30 GMT on Thursday, January 25th.