Ko Itakura
BMG
Center Back
Controlled Center Back
Jan 27, 1997 (29)
Right
6'2"
176 lb
Nearing return after injury
Itakura (muscular) has resumed full team training and is expected to be available for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Paderborn, according to coach Alexander Blessin. "Itakura has already returned to full team training and will most likely be available this weekend."
Analysis: Itakura has made significant progress in his recovery from a muscle fiber tear in his gluteal region, returning to full training after missing several Bundesliga fixtures. The Japanese center-back had started every league match before sustaining the injury, making his return an important boost to Monchengladbach's defensive options. Although Tuesday's DFB-Pokal clash against Karlsruher SC appears to come too soon, he could return to the matchday squad against Paderborn on Saturday. His immediate starting prospects will depend on his match fitness following the extended absence.
Targeting return in coming weeks
Itakura (muscular) has been ruled out for Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Hoffenheim but could return within the next one to two weeks, according to coach Alexander Blessin. "He's still dealing with the injury, and he definitely won't be ready for this weekend. We have to see how his recovery progresses and whether he'll be ready next week or the week after at the latest."
Analysis: Itakura remains sidelined with a muscle fiber tear in his gluteal region, having also missed Borussia Monchengladbach's previous Bundesliga clash against Koln. The Japanese defender has reportedly resumed running exercises at higher intensity but is not yet ready to return to competitive action. Having started every league match before his injury, Itakura remains an important part of Gladbach's defensive setup. His return could come against Stuttgart on October 23 or during one of the following fixtures, although his recovery will determine the exact timing.
Misses Koln clash with ankle issue
Itakura (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's clash against Koln.
Analysis: Itakura is unavailable for Gladbach's return to Bundesliga action after failing to recover sufficiently from an ankle injury during the international break. The defender had started every league match this season, making his absence a significant disruption to the team's backline. Jan Leszczynski could benefit from his absence and receive another opportunity in the starting lineup. Itakura's recovery will need to be monitored ahead of Gladbach's next fixture, with no clear return timeline established.
Hopeful to face Koln
Itakura (ankle) is a late call for Sunday's match against Koln, according to manager Alexander Blessin. "It could be a very close call with Ko. We'll have to see how things develop over the next 24 hours, but I'm still hopeful that he will be available."
Analysis: Itakura is heading towards some late testing as Gladbach prepares for their first match back from the break, as the defender is still dealing with an ankle injury. This will make the typical starter in the defense a late call, potentially a rough loss for the team if he cannot compete. He has yet to miss a start, so if he were to be left out, Jan Leszczynski could be in for another starting spot.
Dealing with minor ankle issue
Itakura will undergo further evaluation upon his return to Borussia Monchengladbach after dealing with a minor ankle issue while on international duty with Japan, according to Rheinische Post.
Analysis: Itakura missed one match for Japan due to the ankle issue before returning to play the full 90 minutes against Ecuador, though he was subsequently left out of Monday's squad. Coach Alexander Blessin didn't appear overly concerned about the problem, but Gladbach will take a closer look at the center back before clearing him for club action. His status for Sunday's derby against Koln should become clearer once he's evaluated and returns to training.
One block, one interception
Itakura blocked a shot, made an interception and three clearances during Saturday's 3-0 loss to Leipzig.
Analysis: Itakura was a part of the Gladbach back line that conceded three times Saturday leading the team in blocks and interceptions. The defender is a stalwart in defense for Gladbach following his 31 starts last season.
Returns to Gladbach
Itakura has returned to Borussia Monchengladbach on a contract through 2030, the club announced.
Analysis: Itakura originally joined Gladbach in the summer of 2022 from Manchester City, making 80 competitive appearances and scoring seven goals across three seasons before joining Ajax last summer, where he made 26 appearances in all competitions and scored once. Itakura is expected to start in central defense alongside Kevin Diks, stepping into the void left by Nico Elvedi's departure.
Bench role against Brazil
Itakura (thigh) is on the bench for Monday's clash against Brazil.
Analysis: Itakura has been unable to get the green light following the late decision that had been expected to determine his availability, with the thigh discomfort that had forced him to follow a separate training program since departing the group stage finale against Sweden proving too significant to clear him for a starting role in the knockout stage clash against Brazil. Shogo Taniguchi has been named in the starting lineup in his place, with Itakura named among the substitutes and available to contribute from the bench should coach Hajime Moriyasu require him during what promises to be one of the most demanding fixtures of Japan's World Cup campaign.
Late call against Brazil
Itakura (thigh) joined Japan's collective training session and could be an option for Monday's clash against Brazil, though a final decision is expected to come late, according to Sponichi Annex.
Analysis: Itakura had been following a separate training program since departing the group stage finale against Sweden with thigh discomfort, making his return to the full group an encouraging step forward. Shogo Taniguchi remains the likely starter in Japan's three-man center-back line if Itakura is not deemed ready in time.
Unlikely to play vs. Brazil
Itakura (thigh) is unlikely to be fit to face Brazil on Monday, according to Chosun Sports.
Analysis: Itakura departed the group-stage finale against Sweden with apparent thigh discomfort in the first half, and he's been training indoors and away from the group since then. With the Ajax defender unlikely to play against La Selecao, Shogo Taniguchi is expected to take his place in Japan's three-man center-back line.
Off early against Sweden
Itakura was forced off the field in the 39th minute of Thursday's match against Sweden due to apparent discomfort.
Analysis: Itakura would leave the field during the first half of Thursday's match, appearing to signal for an exit due to discomfort despite no clear evidence of an injury. He would run off the field and was not treated immediately once on the bench, raising some questions about the real reason he was taken off. That said, it could have been tactical after nearly 40 minutes of play, although it would be strange to use a tactical substitute ahead of the halftime break.
Assist from defense
Itakura recorded one assist on one chance created in Saturday's 4-0 win over Tunisia.
Analysis: Itakura would earn a rare assist from the defense Saturday, stepping up from his center-back role to find Ayase Ueda in the 31st minute. He would also add a tackle, an interpcetion and nine clearances, seeing a decent two-way match. He went unused off the bench in their opener, so he will hope to earn another start against Sweden.
Expected to start in back line
Itakura has been named in Japan's World Cup squad and is expected to marshal Japan's back-three throughout the competition as the defensive organiser and leader.
Analysis: Itakura made 18 Eredivisie appearances for Ajax this season after joining on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach, bringing valuable Champions League and Bundesliga experience to the Amsterdam club while continuing his excellent form at the highest level of Dutch football. The defender's ability to read the game, his composure in possession and his effectiveness in one-on-one situations make him one of the most complete center-backs in the squad, and manager Moriyasu will count on his leadership and experience to organise the defensive unit throughout the tournament. Itakura heads into the World Cup as the defensive anchor of a Japan side with genuine ambitions of progressing deep into the competition.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare