REO HATATE was left out of the Japanese matchday squad for their match against Ukraine.
It was a shock considering his brilliant form for Celtic and his performances in the Champions League against Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Daizen Maeda started the match, with Kyogo watching on from the bench. Hatate has confessed his ‘disappointment’ after missing out on the chance to feature in the squad against the USA. [Daily Record]
“Honestly, I’m really disappointed that I was left out of the squad. I feel that I am strong enough.
“Everything is decided by the coach, so it’s not up to me. I have a role here, and if I have a chance to play in a game, I will play wherever I am told.
“While there are many players who have various experiences, I’m trying to come up with ways to leave the mark of coming here. I think there is something to be gained from the national team.”
Japan have another game left of the International break. They’ll play Ecuador in a friendly match ahead of their World Cup journey.
As things stand, it looks unlikely that Hatate will be jetting off to Qatar, with the player clearly not in his national boss’ plans. Kyogo and Maeda are likely to make the squad, regularly featuring in recent times for their national side.
Japan has been drawn into an incredibly tough group, playing against Spain, Germany and Costa Rica in the hope of getting out of the group.
