Japan captain Wataru Endo will start in Sunday’s friendly against Iceland, making his return from injury, as Samurai Blue continue their preparations for the World Cup, head coach Hajime Moriyasu said.
The team trained at the Japan National Stadium, where the match will also serve as a send-off event.
Moriyasu said one of the main objectives is to improve the squad’s overall condition ahead of the tournament, with more minutes expected for players who have had limited game time this season or are returning from injury.
The squad is not yet at full strength, with Daichi Kamada still to join. However, Moriyasu said the atmosphere has improved as more players arrive.
“As more players have gradually arrived, the atmosphere has continued to improve and become more lively,” he said. “I’ve really started to feel that we’re heading toward the World Cup.”
After Sunday’s friendly, Japan will depart for Mexico next week for a pre-tournament training camp.
Japan have been drawn into Group F alongside the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia.
JP2021.COM