Ko Itakura may miss AFC Asian Cup to focus on club career

Reports indicate that Japan national team defender Ko Itakura may miss the AFC Asian Cup, scheduled for January 2027 in Saudi Arabia. According to German media, Itakura has expressed an intention to focus on his club activities with Borussia Mönchengladbach following his return to the Bundesliga.

There are suggestions that his potential absence might be tied to specific transfer clauses requiring him to prioritize club commitments over international duty. Japan national team manager Hajime Moriyasu addressed the reports, stating he was not yet fully aware of the details but emphasized that he would respect the player’s decision if it were made to prioritize his professional career.

Itakura has played a vital role for Japan, recently serving as captain during World Cup qualifying matches. His potential absence could impact Japan’s squad depth as the team aims for its first Asian Cup title since 2011. The tournament will also mark the final major competition for Moriyasu before his scheduled departure.