It is now a race against time. While participating in the Asian Cup with Japan, Real Sociedad magician Takefusa Kubo was eliminated by Iran (2-1) this Saturday in the quarter-finals. After opening the score thanks to Morita (28th), the Samurai Blues then lost control of the match by conceding Mohebi’s equalizer just before the hour mark (55th). They then lost after added time on a penalty from Jahanbakhsh (90th + 6).
This early elimination does not do PSG any favors. Author of a very good start to the season with six goals and three assists on the clock in La Liga, Takefusa Kubo could join the Basque team this week and be available on February 14 for the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League at Princes Park. Good news for Imanol Alguacil, who should recover a key player before the major events to come. The Spanish technician will have two matches against Mallorca in the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Tuesday and against Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday to test him before facing PSG.
Monaco will find Minamino
While waiting for its Japanese star, the Basque club can count on the return of its twirling winger, Ander Barrenetxea against Girona (this Saturday, 9 p.m.), healed after being hit in the ankle last January. Arsen Zakharian, Mikel Merino and Robin Le Normand are also present in the group, but still uncertain before facing the current runner-up of Real Madrid.
Note that Monaco, still in the race to secure a qualifying place in the Champions League next season, will find Takumi Minamino, author of five goals and four assists this season. Stade de Reims, for its part, will once again be able to count on Keito Nakamura and Junya Ito, who already returned to Champagne-Ardenne this week following accusations of sexual assault from two women in Japan.
