Pakistan, May 16 -- Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has been included in Japan's World Cup squad by head coach Hajime Moriyasu despite not playing for the 'Samurai Blue' for almost two years due to a series of injuries.

The central defender, who currently plays for Ajax after his contract was annulled by mutual consent with Arsenal last year, was included in the 26-man squad announced by the coach in Tokyo on Friday.

Tomiyasu, who last played for Japan against Syria in 2024, was included in the squad for the March international window before withdrawing and Moriyasusuggested he would be given a run-out against Iceland in Tokyo on May 31.

"Although he has not appeared in official matches recently for tactical reasons, our medi...