Arata Watanabe injured, sidelining Mito HollyHock captain

Mito HollyHock has announced that team captain Arata Watanabe has sustained a left knee injury. The club confirmed on October 12 that Watanabe was diagnosed with a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury.

Watanabe sustained the injury during a training session on September 26. Following the incident, he underwent examinations at a hospital in Ibaraki Prefecture. While the club has confirmed the diagnosis, the expected recovery duration has not been disclosed.

Watanabe has been a key player for the team this season, scoring five goals in eight league appearances. He notably recorded four goals in a single match against Kashima Antlers on September 2.