Aston Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has taken another step forward after his injury concern, with Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu handing him the second half of Monday’s victory over Venezuela.
Suzuki replaced Leo Brian Kokubo at the interval in Hiroshima, completing the remainder of Japan’s 2-1 win.
The Japan Football Association’s official match record confirms the substitution, giving Unai Emery an encouraging update following the goalkeeper’s disrupted start to the international break.
Zion Suzuki returns after injury concern
Suzuki missed Japan’s previous match against Uruguay after a reported rib problem and initially followed an individual training programme.
His return to Japan’s matchday squad against Venezuela had already provided encouragement. Moriyasu’s decision to introduce him then turned that bench return into meaningful playing time.
Japan conceded shortly after the restart through Kevin Kelsy, before Ayase Ueda equalised and struck again deep into stoppage time.
For Villa, the significant development was Suzuki completing the second half after the uncertainty surrounding his availability.
Ecuador selection offers next fitness indication
Japan face Ecuador on Thursday, 1 October, before meeting Panama or New Zealand on 5 October, according to their official schedule.
Those fixtures offer further opportunities to build minutes before Suzuki returns to club duty.
A starting appearance against Ecuador would provide another encouraging indication of his progress, although Monday’s outing alone does not establish his readiness for a full 90 minutes.
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