Japan midfielder Takeshi Kubo is nearing a return to action after recovering from a left-knee injury, with his competitive comeback expected on August 1 against Toulouse in a pre-season clash. The Liga opener follows on August 21 at Real Betis.
What happened
Kubo, who plays for La Liga side Real Sociedad, missed Sociedad's opening pre-season friendlies against Wolverhampton and Aston Villa on July 25. Arriving late to the squad, he focused on conditioning and did not feature in either match. His knee issue flared up during Japan's opening World Cup game against the Netherlands, sidelining him for the next three fixtures. He has since resumed ball work and is closing in on full fitness.
Why it matters for Japan
Kubo is a key creative outlet for both club and country. Sociedad now targets his return in the Toulouse friendly, a crucial tune-up before the Liga opener. The tie also marks the competitive return for Kubo and teammate Luka Sučić, who also played at the World Cup, keeping the attack-minded midfield duo in focus. Manager Imanol Alguacil has indicated Sučić will remain a first-choice option, with no replacement signed for Brayan Méndez.
What comes next
The Toulouse match serves as Sociedad's final pre-season test before the August 21 trip to Real Betis to open the league campaign. Spain's World Cup-winning striker Mikel Oyarzabal is also set to rejoin after vacation. For Japan, the focus shifts to squad integration ahead of their next fixtures.
Japan's last outing ended in a 2-1 loss to Brazil on June 29, with their last five results reading two wins, two draws, and one defeat (LDWDW).
