Shuto Machino
BMG
Center Forward
Target Striker
Sep 30, 1999 (27)
Right
6'1"
179 lb
Finds back of net
Machino scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) in Friday's 3-2 victory versus VfB Stuttgart.
Analysis: Machino was on a two-match hiatus without a goal, but changed that Friday, as the forward scored in the 51st minute of the win. This would come in his first start of the season as well, playing 84 minutes while recording three shots. He now has two goals in five appearances this season.
Dynamic in limited minutes
Machino scored a goal while taking four shots (one on goal) during Saturday's 4-3 loss to Mainz.
Analysis: Machino entered the match in the 84th minute and converted a penalty in the 95th while leading Gladbach with his four shots. The goal was the first this season for the forward as he's totaled just 51 minutes across two substitute appearances thus far.
Returns to full training
Machino (illness) returned to full training with the Japan squad Wednesday and is expected to be available for the final group stage match against Sweden, according to Soccer king.
Analysis: Machino's return to full training is a timely boost for coach Hajime Moriyasu, who has been dealing with limited attacking options following Takefusa Kubo's knee injury ruling him out for the remainder of the group stage. Having missed the Tunisia clash due to illness before returning to partial training Monday, Machino's progression to full training over the past two days gives Japan a welcome additional option up front heading into what promises to be a decisive fixture against Sweden.
Trains partially Monday
Machino (illness) trained partially with the Japan squad on Monday, marking a step forward in his recovery as he targets a return for Thursday's last group game against Sweden, according to Sanspo.
Analysis: Machino had missed Sunday's clash against Tunisia due to illness, and his partial involvement in Monday's session is an encouraging sign for coach Hajime Moriyasu given the already limited attacking options with Takefusa Kubo (knee) also sidelined. The coming days will be important in determining whether Machino can build up to full training and be available to contribute against Sweden.
Illness keeps him sidelined
Machino (illness) was absent for Sunday's clash against Tunisia due to illness and is hoping to return for Japan's third group stage fixture against Sweden, according to Japao.
Analysis: Machino had only recently joined the squad as a replacement for the injured Wataru Endo, making his illness a frustrating development so early in his World Cup campaign. His absence represents a loss of attacking depth for coach Hajime Moriyasu, particularly with Takefusa Kubo also sidelined with a knee injury limiting Japan's forward options. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Machino can recover in time to contribute against Sweden in what could be a decisive group stage fixture.
Absent from training
Machino was not in training Friday ahead of Sunday's match against Tunisia due to an apparent illness, according to Football Zone.
Analysis: Machino was not with his teammates in training on Friday as Japan trained to get ready to face Tunisia, with the forward back at the hotel with an illness. Luckily for the team, this appears as only a loss of depth at the moment, as he didn't appear in the opener. However, the team will want to keep options available as they move forward, as another attacker, Takefusa Kubo (knee), is already injured.
Japan call-up confirmed
Machino has been called up to Japan's World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Wataru Endo, according to Gekisaka.
Analysis: Machino joins the group ahead of Japan's World Cup opener against the Netherlands, stepping into a squad that has been forced to reorganize following the loss of their captain. The Borussia Monchengladbach forward brings attacking depth and goal-scoring ability to a Japanese side that will need to find solutions up front throughout the tournament. His call-up gives coach Hajime Moriyasu an additional offensive option as Japan prepare to compete in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia.
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