Tsuyoshi Watanabe
FEY
Center Back
Ball-Playing Center Back
Feb 5, 1997 (29)
Right
6'0"
168 lb
Subs in late in Como match
Watanabe (calf) generated one clearance and one chance created and completed two passes in 11 minutes in Wednesday's 3-2 win against Como.
Analysis: Watanabe got some action late in the tilt, without making much of an impact, after recovering from a calf problem. He had started in the previous tilt, recording four tackles (two on target), one interception and three clearances. He'll likely get the nod again once fully healthy.
Fir for bench
Watanabe (calf) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Como.
Analysis: Watanabe was expected to make his return for Wednesday's UCL match and has done so, with the defender an option from the bench after his calf injury. The defender started in their UCL opener and is expected to be a starter throughout the campaign, so there is a solid chance he tests his legs before returning to a starting role in future contests.
Will be available vs. Como
Watanabe (calf) is back in the squad for Wednesday's Champions League match against Como, according to manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst per Dutch outlet NOS.nl.
Analysis: Watanabe's return is huge for Feyenoord due to his experience and leadership traits. He suffered a calf injury during Japan's 2-1 friendly victory over Venezuela, forcing him to withdraw from international duty and subsequently miss Feyenoord's league matchup against AZ Alkmaar. If deemed fit enough, he's likely to start Wednesday, but van Bronckhorst confirmed the defender will be part of the squad.
Could return against Como
Watanabe (calf) could return for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Como after missing Saturday's 2-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar, according to coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst, per AD.nl.
Analysis: Watanabe suffered a calf injury during Japan's 2-1 friendly victory over Venezuela, forcing him to withdraw from international duty and subsequently miss Feyenoord's league matchup against AZ Alkmaar. However, the center-back appears to be making encouraging progress, with manager Van Bronckhorst hopeful he will recover in time for Wednesday's European fixture. His availability remains uncertain pending further assessment, although the latest update suggests his absence could be limited to one club match. If Watanabe is unable to feature, Thijs Kraaijeveld could retain a starting role, while Mika Marmol represents another option in central defense.
Withdraws from Japan squad
Watanabe (calf) has withdrawn from the Japan squad after suffering an injury during Monday's 2-1 friendly win over Venezuela, according to 1908.nl.
Analysis: Watanabe picked up the calf issue late against Venezuela and underwent further examinations after the match, though the severity of the injury remains unclear. The center-back's availability will now need to be monitored ahead of Feyenoord's Champions League match against Como on Oct. 14. If Watanabe is unable to recover in time, Thijs Kraaijeveld could step into the starting XI, while Mika Marmol could also shift into central defense.
Makes six clearances
Watanabe generated one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Netherlands.
Analysis: Watanabe lasted 75 minutes before being replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu on Sunday against the Netherlands. He recorded six clearances, won three duels, and finished with an 81 percent pass accuracy. While he was less impactful than teammate Shogo Taniguchi, he still covered plenty of ground and contributed steadily across the back line. His overall work rate and defensive involvement make him a reliable secondary option in Japan's defense from a fantasy perspective.
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