NEW YORK, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Japan winger Takefusa Kubo is set to miss at least the remainder of the World Cup group stage with a knee injury.
Kubo, who plays for Real Sociedad in Spain, was forced off in the 75th minute of Japan's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands on Monday after colliding with Denzel Dumfries. He was later seen leaving the stadium in a wheelchair.
"I am not sure what the problem is. I think they hit me from all sides," Kubo told reporters after the match.
Subsequent scans confirmed the injury, ruling him out of Japan's final two group matches against Tunisia on Sunday and Sweden on June 26. His availability for the knockout stage is also in doubt should Japan advance to the round of 32.
The setback continues an injury-disrupted year for the 24-year-old. Kubo missed three and a half months earlier this season with a serious muscle injury and was limited to a substitute appearance as Real Sociedad defeated Atletico Madrid on penalties to win the Copa del Rey. ■
