Ko Itakura
29-Year-Old
Ajax
Eredivisie
Bench role against Brazil
Itakura (thigh) is on the bench for Monday's clash against Brazil.
ANALYSIS
Itakura has been unable to get the green light following the late decision that had been expected to determine his availability, with the thigh discomfort that had forced him to follow a separate training program since departing the group stage finale against Sweden proving too significant to clear him for a starting role in the knockout stage clash against Brazil. Shogo Taniguchi has been named in the starting lineup in his place, with Itakura named among the substitutes and available to contribute from the bench should coach Hajime Moriyasu require him during what promises to be one of the most demanding fixtures of Japan's World Cup campaign.
Itakura has been unable to get the green light following the late decision that had been expected to determine his availability, with the thigh discomfort that had forced him to follow a separate training program since departing the group stage finale against Sweden proving too significant to clear him for a starting role in the knockout stage clash against Brazil. Shogo Taniguchi has been named in the starting lineup in his place, with Itakura named among the substitutes and available to contribute from the bench should coach Hajime Moriyasu require him during what promises to be one of the most demanding fixtures of Japan's World Cup campaign.
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More Fantasy News
Late call against Brazil
Itakura (thigh) joined Japan's collective training session and could be an option for Monday's clash against Brazil, though a final decision is expected to come late, according to Sponichi Annex.
ANALYSIS
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Unlikely to play vs. Brazil
Itakura (thigh) is unlikely to be fit to face Brazil on Monday, according to Chosun Sports.
ANALYSIS
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Off early against Sweden
Itakura was forced off the field in the 39th minute of Thursday's match against Sweden due to apparent discomfort.
ANALYSIS
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Assist from defense
Itakura recorded one assist on one chance created in Saturday's 4-0 win over Tunisia.
ANALYSIS
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Expected to start in back line
Itakura has been named in Japan's World Cup squad and is expected to marshal Japan's back-three throughout the competition as the defensive organiser and leader.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Several clubs after him
Itakura is expected to leave Monchengladbach in the summer due to the interest in his services, according to Ekrem Konur.
ANALYSIS
The Borussia Mönchengladbach and Japan defender is wanted by Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. He's shown he's more than ready to play for a more competitive side after a series of impressive displays for BMG over the course of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Borussia Mönchengladbach and Japan defender is wanted by Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. He's shown he's more than ready to play for a more competitive side after a series of impressive displays for BMG over the course of the 2024/25 campaign.