Takumi Minamino
ASM
In squad, fit for PSG clash
Minamino (knee) is in the squad and fit for Friday's clash against PSG, according to the club.
Analysis: Minamino has been working his way back from a torn ACL suffered in December that also cost him the World Cup, having previously been a central figure for Monaco with 21 appearances before the injury struck. His inclusion for this match marks a significant milestone in his recovery, positioning him to begin rebuilding match fitness as new coach Filipe Luis counts on his experience heading into the new season.
Back in group training
Minamino (knee) is back in group training with Monaco as he continues recovering from a torn ACL that also cost him the 2026 World Cup, according to RMC Sport.
Analysis: Minamino tore the ACL in his left knee on Dec. 21, 2025, undergoing surgery in Japan on Jan. 7, and had played 21 matches before the injury, missing just 2 all season, underlining how central he had become to Monaco's attack. His return to competitive action is hoped for before the September international break, though it will take considerably longer for him to regain full match rhythm and form. New coach Filipe Luis is counting on his experience as the club looks to return to European competition this season. Minamino is expected to continue building toward a return to full training as his recovery progresses.
Increases training intensity
Minamino has increased the intensity of his training in Monaco and is closing in on a return, the club posted.
Analysis: Minamino tore his ACL in December, a setback that kept him off Japan's World Cup roster despite working his way back to full training and joining the squad in a support capacity in Nashville. His ramped up workload in preseason is an encouraging sign, positioning him to regain a consistent role for Monaco under new coach Filipe Luis heading into the 2026/27 Ligue 1 season.
Trains fully in Principaute
Minamino (knee) is training fully in preseason in Monaco and is expected to be fit for the new season, putting him on track to resume a regular role, the club posted.
Analysis: Minamino tore his ACL in December, a setback that kept him off Japan's World Cup roster despite working his way back to full training and joining the Japan squad in a support capacity in Nashville. Back in Monaco for pre-season, a healthy return will now give him a real chance to regain the consistent role he has held for both club and country, although the Diagonale have a new coach with Filipe Luis heading into the 2026/27 Ligue 1 campaign.
Joins Japan squad as support player
Minamino (knee) has joined Japan's World Cup squad in Nashville as a support player despite being unable to feature in the tournament after suffering an ACL tear in December, with coach Hajime Moriyasu welcoming him warmly upon his arrival at the base camp, according to Football Zone.
Analysis: Minamino has been unable to recover in time to make the official 26-man roster despite working relentlessly through his rehabilitation and reaching the point of being able to kick a ball again, but manager Moriyasu brought him in as a mentor figure to support the squad. The 31-year-old has been the most capped and highest-scoring player across both of Moriyasu's tenures with 70 appearances and 26 goals, and the coach expressed his hope that Minamino will bring confidence and courage to the group and remind his teammates of the hard work and team spirit he has always embodied throughout his Japan career.
Trains with ball on grass
Minamino (knee) has returned to working with the ball on the grass as part of his rehabilitation from the ACL injury he suffered in late December, according to Lig'ASM.
Analysis: Minamino has been making steady progress in his recovery and getting back on the pitch with the ball is a meaningful milestone after months of gym-based rehabilitation. The Japanese international is still not expected to return to competitive action before the start of next season, but the encouraging progression of his recovery points toward him being available when Monaco's preseason kicks off.
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