Liverpool learned of a serious injury to record signing Alexander Isak just days before Christmas but one of their former stars has suffered a heartbreaking blow of his own
Former Liverpool star Takumi Minamino looks certain to miss next summer’s World Cup after suffering an ACL injury while playing for Monaco against Auxerre. The Ligue 1 club confirmed the worst on Monday after the Japan international was forced off in the first half of Sunday’s Coupe de France game.
“During the [round of 64] Coupe de France match played in Auxerre, our midfielder Takumi Minamino suffered an injury to his left knee,” Monaco wrote on social media. “Medical examinations revealed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. Takumi will be able to count on the support of the entire Club throughout his recovery. Courage Taki, we’re with you.”
A number of Liverpool fans joined their Monaco counterparts in sending Minamino their best wishes. “Devastated for him,” wrote one, with others posting “YNWA” (You’ll Never Walk Alone) along with their messages of support.
Monaco won the match, with Mika Biereth scoring both goals in a 2-1 win to set up a trip to Orleans in the new year. However, Minamino’s injury remains a blow for both club and country.
It was their final outing before France’s winter break. They won’t play again until early January, when they host Lyon upon their return to Ligue 1 action.
READ MORE: Alexander Isak’s brutal injury confirmed as Liverpool star undergoes surgeryREAD MORE: Mo Salah gives Liverpool plenty to think about after injury nightmare confirmed
Minamino, 30, joined Monaco in a £15.5m move from Liverpool back in 2022. Part of the Reds’ title winning squad in 2020, the former Red Bull Salzburg star has made more than 100 appearances for his current club and scored 23 goals.
Used largely as an attacking midfielder or on the wing, he had featured in all but two of this season’s matches for Sebastien Pocognoli’s side. He has four goals and three assists to his name this term, including the winner in a recent league victory against Paris Saint-Germain.
Japan’s World Cup campaign is less than six months away, and an ACL rupture traditionally keeps footballers out for longer than that. Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus only recently returned from a similar injury, having gone more than nine months without playing a minute of competitive action.
Minamino’s 26 goals make him the highest scoring active Japan player, and he scored while captaining the side in friendly victories over Brazil and Ghana in the autumn. He also scored four times in World Cup qualifying as the Samurai Blue lost just once across their entire campaign.
Japan have been drawn in Group F for the upcoming World Cup, taking on the Netherlands and Tunisia in their first two group matches. The final spot in their group will be occupied by the winner of one of the European play-offs, with one of Ukraine, Sweden, Albania and Poland progressing to the tournament and facing Japan in Arlington on June 25.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
