Japan women's football team loses top scorer Riko Yoshida to injury

The Japan Football Association has announced that forward Riko Yoshida of INAC Kobe Leonessa will miss the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya due to injury. Yoshida, who was the top scorer in the previous WE League season, has been replaced in the squad by her teammate Aoi Tsujikawa.

South Korean media outlets have noted the development, describing the loss of the striker as a significant blow to the defending champions and a potential advantage for South Korea. While Japan and South Korea are in different groups and will not meet during the group stage, a matchup could occur during the knockout rounds, such as the quarterfinals or semifinals.