Japanese soccer ace Kubo Takefusa (Real Sociedad) was injured about a week before the opening of the 2023 Qatar Asian Cup, putting the Japanese national team on emergency alert.Real Sociedad announced on the 4th (local time) that Kubo injured his left thigh in the game.Kubo was injured just before the end of the 19th round La Liga match (1-1 draw) between Real Sociedad and Alaves on the 2nd.The club said, “Kubo will join the Japanese national team preparing for the Asian Cup and heal his injury.” The injury of Kubo, who should play a key role as a midfielder in the Asian Cup, is a big negative for Japan, which is aiming for its fifth title.Kubo is the Japanese player who is showing the most outstanding performance on the European stage this season.He has 6 goals and 4 assists in official games, including 6 goals and 3 assists in La Liga and 1 assist in the UEFA Champions League (UCL).

Recently, Transfermarkt, a website specializing in the soccer transfer market, estimated Kubo’s market value at 60 million euros (about 86 billion won), the highest among Asian players.Kubo is expected to join the national team in a state of discomfort not only physically but also mentally.In an interview with local media immediately after the 19th round match, he said, “It is very unfortunate that the Asian Cup is held during the season. The team that pays me is clearly Real Sociedad. Participation in national team competitions (such as the Asian Cup) is mandatory.” He expressed his dissatisfaction by saying, “There are regulations so I have no choice but to leave by force.”The object of complaint mentioned by Kubo is clearly the ‘Asian Cup schedule issue’ to be held in the winter, but it is also a statement that Japanese fans and national team colleagues may find somewhat uncomfortable.Japan is attempting to win the Asian Cup for the fifth time in total and for the first time in 13 years.With the tournament opening on the 12th, Japan, competing in Group D of the group stage, will play its first match against Vietnam on the 14th.They will then face Iraq 토토사이트 and Indonesia in turn.