Japanese star taken to hospital

Takefusa Kubo has been taken to hospital for additional tests after picking up a left knee injury in Japan’s 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.

The midfielder started the match and stayed on until the 75th minute, but the problem began in the 71st when he collided with Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries during a dribbling move. Kubo managed to get back to his feet and carry on briefly, before asking to be substituted a few minutes later.

He did not speak to reporters after the game.

Japan’s medical staff first checked him immediately after the match, and the latest assessment took place yesterday at hospital. The Japan Football Association has not yet announced the results of those tests or the extent of the injury, leaving his availability for upcoming fixtures uncertain.