Aston Villa have received positive news over Zion Suzuki’s fitness after the £30 million goalkeeper returned to the Japan squad during the international break.
Suzuki was named on the bench for Japan’s friendly against Venezuela in Hiroshima on Monday, easing concerns surrounding the injury that had kept him out of the squad’s previous match.
The 24-year-old did not start against Venezuela, with Sint-Truiden goalkeeper Leo Kokubu making his international debut instead.
However, Suzuki’s presence among the substitutes represents an encouraging development for Aston Villa.
Suzuki returns to Japan squad after injury concern
The Villa goalkeeper had missed Japan’s previous match against Uruguay last week after reports suggested he had suffered a side injury during Aston Villa’s Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
His return to the bench against Venezuela indicates that the problem has not prevented him from remaining involved with the national team.
Concerns over Suzuki’s fitness had already been relatively limited because the goalkeeper travelled to join his Japanese teammates and was reportedly continuing to train.
Footage also showed Suzuki working on an exercise bike during the international break.
Zion Suzuki could start against Ecuador
Suzuki may have another opportunity to return to action when Japan face Ecuador on Thursday.
The goalkeeper could potentially be restored to the starting XI for that fixture, although there is no confirmation that he will definitely start.
Even if Suzuki remains on the bench, his involvement with Japan represents a positive sign for Aston Villa as the club prepares for its return to Premier League action.
Villa are scheduled to host Brentford on October 10, giving Suzuki additional time to continue his recovery.
Aston Villa will welcome Suzuki’s availability
Suzuki has made an impressive start to his Aston Villa career since arriving at the club.
The Japanese goalkeeper was given the difficult task of replacing Emi Martínez as Villa’s long-term No. 1, but his performances have quickly provided encouragement.
His latest involvement with Japan should therefore be welcomed by Aston Villa, particularly with the Premier League schedule set to resume after the international break.
For now, the key development is that Suzuki is back among Japan’s substitutes and appears to be moving closer to full availability.
Questions Aston Villa fans may be asking
Is Zion Suzuki injured?
Suzuki had been linked with a side injury suffered during Aston Villa’s win over Tottenham Hotspur. He subsequently returned to the Japan squad and was named on the bench against Venezuela.
Did Zion Suzuki play against Venezuela?
No. Suzuki was an unused substitute, while Sint-Truiden’s Leo Kokubu made his international debut.
When could Zion Suzuki return to Japan’s starting XI?
Suzuki could potentially start against Ecuador on Thursday, although the source does not confirm that he will be selected.
What happened to Zion Suzuki against Uruguay?
Suzuki was not involved in Japan’s match against Uruguay amid reports that he had picked up a side injury while playing for Aston Villa against Tottenham Hotspur.
How much did Aston Villa pay for Zion Suzuki?
The source describes Suzuki as the club’s £30 million goalkeeper.
When do Aston Villa play Brentford?
Aston Villa are preparing to host Brentford on October 10.
The Aston Villa News BR verdict
Suzuki’s return to the Japan bench is a positive development for Aston Villa after the fitness concern surrounding the goalkeeper.
The fact that he travelled with Japan, continued training and was then included among the substitutes against Venezuela suggests that his recovery is progressing.
There is still no confirmation that Suzuki will start against Ecuador, but another appearance in the Japan squad would give Villa further encouragement ahead of the Brentford fixture.
After making an impressive start to his career at Villa Park, having taken over the No. 1 role from Emi Martínez, Suzuki’s availability will be an important part of Aston Villa’s preparations for the Premier League’s return.
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