Japan Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki Withdraws Due to Injury

Japan’s national football team has suffered a setback ahead of their upcoming international friendlies. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has been ruled out due to injuries to his wrist and finger. The Japanese Football Association (JFA) confirmed on Sunday that Suzuki will not take part in the matches against Ghana and Bolivia, which are scheduled later this week.

The injury occurred while Suzuki was playing for his Italian club, Parma, in a Serie A match against AC Milan that ended in a 2-2 draw. According to Parma’s statement, the 23-year-old goalkeeper sustained fractures in his left hand during the game. After undergoing medical scans, it was revealed that he had a composite fracture in the middle finger and the scaphoid bone, a small bone located near the wrist.

In response to Suzuki’s withdrawal, the JFA announced that Taishi Brandon Nozawa, who plays for Belgian club Royal Antwerp, will replace him in the national squad. Nozawa, who has been performing well in the Belgian league, is expected to join the team immediately for the two friendlies. The JFA expressed support for Suzuki and wished him a speedy recovery, while welcoming Nozawa as a capable addition to the team.

Japan is set to play Ghana on Friday at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture, followed by a match against Bolivia in Tokyo four days later. These friendlies are part of Japan’s preparation for future international competitions, including the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and World Cup qualifying rounds. The matches are also opportunities for head coach Hajime Moriyasu to test new players and strategies before competitive fixtures resume.

In a detailed statement, Parma said, “After picking up an injury against AC Milan last night, Zion Suzuki underwent scans today, which revealed a composite fracture in the middle finger of his left hand and in the scaphoid bone.” The club added that Suzuki will undergo further specialist consultations to determine the best course of treatment. Surgery is likely to be required to ensure a full recovery.

Medical experts from both Parma and the Japan Football Association will work together to monitor Suzuki’s recovery. Initial reports suggest that he could be out for several weeks, depending on the need for surgery and rehabilitation time. Wrist and finger injuries are particularly delicate for goalkeepers, as they directly affect handling and shot-stopping ability. Suzuki’s club and country are therefore prioritizing a careful and complete recovery over a quick return.

Suzuki’s absence leaves Japan with a slightly reshuffled goalkeeping lineup. Nozawa joins the experienced Eiji Kawashima and the young Kosei Tani in the squad. Coach Moriyasu will now assess which of these options to start in the upcoming matches. Nozawa’s inclusion could be seen as an opportunity to test the depth of Japan’s goalkeeping talent ahead of crucial future fixtures.

Before the injury, Zion Suzuki had been in impressive form for Parma. Since joining the Italian club, he quickly established himself as their first-choice goalkeeper, earning praise for his agility, reflexes, and confidence under pressure. His performances had also strengthened his place in Japan’s national team setup, making his current setback particularly unfortunate.

Following the news of his injury, Suzuki received messages of encouragement from fans, teammates, and football associations. Japanese supporters expressed disappointment that he will miss the upcoming games but sent him good wishes for a full recovery. Parma fans, too, took to social media to thank him for his strong performances this season and to wish him well as he begins his recovery process.

Despite the injury setback, Japan remains confident about their upcoming matches. The friendlies against Ghana and Bolivia will give younger players a chance to prove themselves and allow the coaching staff to experiment with new formations. The team’s primary goal remains preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where depth and squad balance will be crucial.

As of now, Suzuki’s main focus will be on rehabilitation and regaining full fitness. Medical experts expect that, with successful surgery and steady recovery, he should be able to return to action in a few months. His resilience and discipline have been noted by both Parma and Japan’s national team staff, who believe he will come back stronger.