Ayase Ueda
Enters second week of recovery
Ueda (foot) is entering the second week of an expected three-to-four-week recovery period from a left plantar fascia tear and will return with the international break as a ultimate deadline, according to coach Davide Ancelotti. "Maximum after the international break."
Analysis: Ueda continues recovering from the plantar fascia injury he sustained during Lille's 3-0 Champions League defeat against Arsenal, which forced him off in the 78th minute. The Japanese forward is now entering the second week of his rehabilitation, with the initial recovery period estimated at three to four weeks. Ancelotti's latest comments suggest Ueda should be ready to return no later than after the November international break, although an earlier comeback remains possible depending on his progress. The striker has scored three goals across six appearances for Lille this season, making his absence a significant blow to the club's attacking rotation. Olivier Giroud should continue benefiting from additional opportunities up front while Ueda remains sidelined. His return to training will be an important step toward establishing a more precise comeback date.
Ruled out with foot injury
Ueda (foot) has been ruled out for Saturday's Ligue 1 clash against Brest after suffering a plantar fascia tear in his left foot, according to coach Davide Ancelotti,, per Le Petit Lillois. "It's difficult to give a timeline because it's a rather unusual injury. It will depend heavily on treatment and pain levels. I hope it won't be long."
Analysis: Ueda sustained the injury during Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League defeat against Arsenal, leaving the pitch in the 78th minute before undergoing further medical examinations. The Japanese forward has been diagnosed with a tear of the plantar fascia in his left foot, an injury that can be difficult to assess in terms of recovery time. Coach Ancelotti acknowledged that the club cannot currently establish a reliable timetable, with Ueda's rehabilitation dependent on how he responds to treatment and manages the pain. The striker has scored three goals across six appearances for Lille this season, making his absence a significant concern for the team's attacking rotation. Olivier Giroud is the leading candidate to replace him against Brest, while Ueda could face several weeks on the sidelines depending on his recovery progress.
Facing potential multiweek absence
Ueda could be sidelined for several weeks after initial examinations raised concerns about a possible tear in his left foot, according to Le Petit Lillois.
Analysis: Ueda experienced discomfort in his left foot during Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League defeat against Arsenal and was replaced by Olivier Giroud in the 78th minute. The Japanese forward was still limping after the match, and initial medical examinations Wednesday reportedly produced concerning results. A potential tear on the underside of his left foot could keep him out for several weeks, although the diagnosis and length of his absence have yet to be confirmed. Ueda has scored three goals across six appearances for Lille this season, and his potential absence would represent a significant blow to the team's attack. Giroud would be the leading candidate to take over the starting role, beginning with Saturday's Ligue 1 clash against Brest.
Facing assessment on heel
Ueda felt pain in his left heel during Tuesday's 3-0 loss at Arsenal and his availability for Saturday's match against Brest is uncertain, according to L'Equipe.
Analysis: .Ueda was replaced by Olivier Giroud in the 78th minute at Arsenal and was still limping when he boarded the team bus, with the left heel problem a new one in his career. He is due to be assessed after the squad's return to Lille on Wednesday, leaving his status for Saturday's home match against Brest unclear.
Exits with injury against Arsenal
Ueda was forced off with an undisclosed injury in the 78th minute of Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League loss to Arsenal.
Analysis: Ueda started up front and had a first-half goal ruled out for offside before being replaced by Olivier Giroud due to injury. The striker has scored three goals in six appearances across all competitions this season, making his potential absence a concern for Lille. His availability remains uncertain for Saturday's Ligue 1 clash against Brest and the Champions League fixture against Galatasaray on Oct. 21, with Giroud likely to lead the attack if Ueda is sidelined.
Named Kirin Cup MVP
Ueda was named MVP of the 2026 Kirin Cup after scoring four goals in four matches, including the opening goal in the final, according to the club.
Analysis: Ueda capped an impressive international tournament with another goal in the final and returns to his club in strong form. The forward has also scored twice from nine shots across three Ligue 1 appearances, including two starts, since arriving from Feyenoord. He appears to have gained an edge over Olivier Giroud in the competition for the starting striker role after featuring more prominently of late.
Scores half-volley in loss
Ueda scored one goal to go with four shots (four on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Nice.
Analysis: Ueda pulled one back for Lille in the 79th minute with a clinical half-volley off Maurits Kjaergaard's assist, before heading a shot onto the goalframe in the 82nd minute that Yehvann Diouf saved brilliantly to deny the equalizer, and also tested Diouf with a point-blank header from Tiago Santos' cross in the 47th minute. He was Lille's most persistent attacking threat, combining four shots and two headers on goal in what was the most dangerous individual display for the visitors across the 90 minutes.
Scores on first start
Ueda scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Tuesday's 3-2 loss against Betis.
Analysis: Ueda made an immediate impact in his first start for Lille, meeting Ethan Mbappe's delivery at the back post to open the scoring in the 12th minute. His lone attempt was enough to produce his first goal for the club before Olivier Giroud replaced him after 77 minutes. Converting immediately in his first opportunity from the starting XI should strengthen Ueda's case for further minutes as Lille determine the hierarchy at center-forward.
Scores only goal in 1-0 win
Ueda scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) in Thursday's 1-0 win over Toulouse.
Analysis: Ueda came on for his first appearance since his transfer from Feyenoord and scored the winner. He took two shots in teh game and put both on target. The forward had a strong performance against Tunisia in the World Cup, where he scored two and assisted one.
Transfers to Lille
Ueda transferred from Feyenoord to Lille on Monday.
Analysis: Ueda is coming off the best season of his career in 2025/26, notching 26 goals across 40 appearances for Feyenoord, and he also added three goal contributions (two goals, one assist) for Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ueda should be a regular starter for Lille and could form a deadly attacking duo with Olivier Giroud.
Takes two shots vs. Brazil
Ueda generated two shots (one on goal) in Monday's 2-1 loss against Brazil.
Analysis: Ueda was unable to find the back of the net in this loss, and while he had a tough matchup against Marquinhos and Gabriel, he still made his presence felt. Ueda couldn't make a difference in this match, but he still looked good in this World Cup. In four starts, the Feyenoord star and 2025/26 Eredivisie top scorer had two goals, one assist, nine shots (four on target) and three chances created.
Quiet outing Thursday
Ueda registered one shot (zero on goal) in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Sweden.
Analysis: Ueda would cool down after a brace and an assist against Tunisia in their last match, as the forward would only see a single shot and no goal contributions in his 66 minutes against Sweden. That said, he has now struggled against both of the stronger teams in their group, not a good sign for the knockout. There is a chance they will give Daizen Maeda a more advanced role next match to try to switch things up, although it is likely Ueda will remain the starting forward.
Scores twice, adds assist
Ueda scored two goals and assisted once from five shots and two chances created in Sunday's 4-0 victory against Tunisia.
Analysis: Ueda delivered a complete centre-forward performance in Japan's 4-0 win over Tunisia, scoring twice and providing one assist across 84 minutes as the focal point of Japan's attack in a dominant display that confirmed his side's place in the knockout rounds. The Feyenoord striker registered five shots and created two chances, combining clinical finishing with intelligent hold-up play and precise distribution in behind the Tunisian defensive line, underlining why he was the top scorer in the Eredivisie this season. Ueda now has two goals and one assist across two group games and heads into the decisive Group F clash against Sweden as Japan's most dangerous attacking weapon, with his aerial presence, movement off the ball and finishing quality in both feet making him one of the most complete strikers remaining in the tournament.
Struggles at striker
Ueda registered one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Netherlands.
Analysis: Ueda visibly struggled for Japan on Sunday, finishing with just one shot and only a single touch in the opposition box against the Netherlands. His substitution ultimately opened the door for Japan's equalizer, with Koki Ogawa setting up Daichi Kamada for the second goal in the 2-2 draw. The 2025/26 Eredivisie Golden Boot winner will look to rebound against Tunisia on June 21 after a performance to forget. He should still be expected to start, but backup Keisuke Goto could begin pushing for minutes if Ueda turns in another quiet outing.
Clinical finisher for Japan
Ueda has been named in Japan's World Cup squad and is expected to be the undisputed starting striker throughout the competition as Japan's most prolific finisher.
Analysis: Ueda made 40 appearances for Feyenoord this season, scoring 26 goals and adding two assists across the campaign in a remarkable individual season that established him as one of the most clinical strikers in Dutch football and the leading scorer in Japan's World Cup squad with 16 international goals from 39 caps. The striker's aerial presence, intelligent movement and composure in front of goal make him the focal point of Japan's entire attacking system, and losing Kaoru Mitoma (hamstring) to injury only increases the responsibility on his shoulders at the tournament. Ueda heads into the World Cup with enormous confidence after a historic personal season and the determination to deliver for Japan on the biggest stage in international football.
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