Former Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino faces a crushing personal setback after being ruled out of next summer's World Cup finals with a serious knee injury.
Injury Blow in Cup Clash
The Japan international, now starring for French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, sustained the damage during a Coupe de France match against Auxerre on Sunday. Minamino was forced off in the first half of the game, which his side went on to win 2-1.
Subsequent medical scans confirmed the worst fears. Monaco announced on Monday that the 30-year-old had suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. The club pledged its full support to the player throughout his recovery.
The match was Monaco's final fixture before the French winter break, meaning Minamino's lengthy rehabilitation will begin immediately as the squad pauses until early January.
Devastating Timing for Club and Country
The timing of the injury is particularly cruel, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup now less than six months away. An ACL rupture typically sidelines footballers for a minimum of six to nine months, effectively ending Minamino's hopes of representing Japan on the global stage.
This is a monumental blow for the Samurai Blue. Minamino is a key figure for his national team, being their highest-scoring active player with 26 international goals. He captained the side and scored in high-profile friendly wins over Brazil and Ghana earlier this year, and netted four times during a successful World Cup qualification campaign.
Japan are drawn in Group F for the tournament, where they will face the Netherlands and Tunisia. Their final group opponent will be decided by a European play-off.
Liverpool Connection and Fan Support
Minamino, who joined Monaco from Liverpool in a £15.5 million transfer in 2022, remains a popular figure at Anfield. He was part of the Reds' Premier League title-winning squad in 2020.
Upon news of the injury, messages of support flooded in from both Monaco and Liverpool supporters. Many Reds fans echoed the club's famous anthem, posting "YNWA" (You'll Never Walk Alone) alongside their well-wishes for the player's recovery.
For Monaco, the loss is also significant. Minamino has been a consistent performer this season under manager Sebastien Pocognoli, featuring in almost every match. He has contributed four goals and three assists this term, including a memorable winner against Paris Saint-Germain.
His absence will now leave a considerable void in Monaco's attacking midfield as they resume their Ligue 1 campaign in the New Year with a home fixture against Lyon.
