Hijiri Kato undergoes surgery for facial fracture and concussion

RB Omiya Ardija defender Hijiri Kato underwent surgery on September 15 following injuries sustained during a J2 League match against Oita Trinita on September 12. Kato was diagnosed with a fractured right zygomatic bone (cheekbone) and a concussion.

Kato, who recently turned 25, expressed his determination to return to the pitch via the club's official website, noting that while the timing was difficult, he is recovering well. The club stated that his rehabilitation will follow a phased program, though a specific timeline for his return has not been disclosed.

The injury has drawn significant social media attention, with some discussions revisiting a previous high-impact tackle by Oita Trinita defender Itsuki Oda against Sanfrecce Hiroshima's Makoto Manida in 2023.