Japanese captain and Stuttgart midfielder, central to Japan's World Cup plans
Liverpool's Mo Salah has been ruled out of the final weeks of the club season due to a hamstring tear, with officials confirming he will be fit for Egypt's World Cup group stage. Jurgen Klopp’s side are pushing for a Champions League place as they navigate his absence.
Japan’s World Cup campaign is evolving: Endo has withdrawn due to injury and announced retirement; Kamada has shifted to a defensive midfield role under Oliver Glasner, with captaincy moving to Ko Itakura. Japan opens Group F against the Netherlands amid coaching and lineup changes.