Is Takumi Minamino Still in the Running for Japan's World Cup Squad?

At 31, Takumi Minamino faces a race against time. The Japan international has been sidelined since tearing his ACL in a match against AJ Auxerre back in late December, and a return to action for AS Monaco before the season wraps up looks unlikely. Yet, his club manager Sébastien Pocognoli has hinted that all may not be lost on the international front.

ACL recoveries are notoriously gruelling, often stretching across six months to a full year. When Minamino went down in December, many assumed his involvement in this summer's World Cup — a tournament Japan have already secured their place in — was off the table entirely.

Pocognoli addressed the situation in a press conference covered by Get French Football News, acknowledging the challenge of getting his full squad fit before the curtain falls on the campaign. He noted that both Minamino and fellow ACL victim Mohammed Salisu, who sustained a similar injury in early January, face particularly steep timelines.

Still, the Monaco boss left the door open for his Japanese midfielder, saying: "Maybe for 'Taki', there is hope for another competition at the end of the season." Having recently returned to the Principality following a spell back home in Japan, that glimmer of hope may be all the motivation Minamino needs to push through his rehabilitation.