KOU ITAKURA NEWS

Scores rare goal Itakura scored a goal while taking two shots (one on goal), making an interception, a tackle and four clearances during Saturday's 3-2 win over Heidenheim.

Impact Itakura found the back of the net in the 22nd minute scoring Gladbach's first goal of the match. It was also the first goal of the season for Itakura who has started and played every minute of every match in the Bundesliga thus far.

OCTOBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Three shots Sunday Itakura had three shots (zero on goal) in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus Union Berlin.

Impact Itakura was bombing forward whenever he had the chance and he sent a few speculative efforts in to try and cause some issues. He failed to do so as most of his shots were tame to say the least. Still the defender did earn the clean sheet and was looking solid back in the starting XI Sunday.

APRIL 29 • ROTOWIRE

Viewed running Itakura (ankle) was pictured running during training Wednesday, ahead of Saturday's match against Dortmund.

Impact Itakura looks to be nearing a return after being viewed running at training following a month-long absence due to minor surgery on his ankle. The defender will most likely remain out for the Dortmund match but hopefully will be an option for their first match in December against Hoffenheim. When he does return, he could find a nod in the starting XI immediately, as he started all seven matches for the club before encountering his knock.

NOVEMBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Needs minor surgery Itakura (ankle) needs minor surgery that is expected to rule him out until after the international break, according to manager Gerardo Seoane. "Ko Itakura needs a small surgical pr...

Impact Itakura had started all seven matches played at center back this season, totaling two goals with 21 clearances so far. He will be sidelined for the time being, with Marvin Friedrich expected to get the start in the back line alongside Nico Elvedi.

OCTOBER 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Not training Itakura (ankle) missed training Wednesday, Rheinische Post reports.

Impact Itakura is in doubt for Saturday's clash with Heidenheim as his bruised ankle continues to keep him out of training. The defender misses a Sunday clash with Koln, bringing Marvin Friedrich into the starting XI in his place. If Itakura can't go for the Heidenheim match it would be Itakura who slots into the back three alongside Nico Elvedi and Maximilian Wober.

OCTOBER 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Out with ankle injury Itakura is not in the match day squad to face Koln on Sunday due to an ankle injury.

Impact Itakura suffered the injury on international duty with Japan and was deemed not fit enough for Sunday's match. The defender was replaced in the starting XI by Marvin Friedrich, but should be available in time for next week's clash with Heidenheim.

OCTOBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

In starting XI Itakura (strain) will start Friday's matchup with Mainz.

Impact Itakura has started all six of the club's matches this season and will keep his place in the starting XI versus Mainz as well. Through those contests, the central defender has registered two goals on six shots (three on target), 20 clearances and 11 interceptions.

OCTOBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with strain Itakura picked up a strain and has been limited in training ahead of Friday's match against Mainz, confirmed manager Gerardo Seoane.

Impact Itakura has been dealing with some pain in training as his status for Friday is unclear. He's started all six matches at center back for the team, totaling two goals already after not scoring once during the 2022/23 campaign.

OCTOBER 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Nets in loss Itakura scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich.

Impact Itakura opened the scoring with a rare goal during Saturday's narrow loss. The center-back isn't a major goal-scoring threat for the most part but he can make the most of the corners Gladbach continually earn. Itakura has scored twice before the international break in just three months, though that goal scoring certainly isn't worth chasing.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores opener Saturday Itakura scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 4-4 draw against FC Augsburg. He was subbed off due to injury in the 75th min...

Impact Itakura opened the scoring in the first half with a towering header following a cross from Franck Honorat in what was the first Bundesliga goal of his career. However, as a central defender, Itakura is expected to earn most of his fantasy value via defensive stats. The fact that he was subbed off due to injury in the second half means he should be treated as questionable for Saturday's game against Bayer Leverkusen.

AUGUST 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Available to return at weekend Itakura will be eligible to feature in next weekend's clash against Borussia Dortmund after serving a red card suspension.

Impact Itakura missed Saturday's win over Bochum after getting sent off in the previous game versus Stuttgart, but he should plug straight back into the XI alongside Nico Elvedi in central defense to take on Dortmund next weekend.

MAY 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

One-match ban confirmed Itakura will only be suspended for one match after being shown a red card against Stuttgart, the DFB announced.

Impact Itakura's case was reviewed and his ban wasn't extended. The defender will miss a single match, a Saturday clash with Bochum, and will be eligible to return against Dortmund. Marvin Friedric will likely slot into the starting XI in central defense.

MAY 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Sent off against Stuttgart Itakura received a straight red card -- following a VAR review -- in the 82nd minute of Saturday's clash against Stuttgart following a foul on Tiago Tomas in the penalty area.

Impact Itakura had played every minute of Gladbach's 15 Bundesliga games in 2023 up until his sending off on Saturday, but he will now be suspended at least for next weekend's clash with VfL Bochum. Marvin Friedrich or Tony Jantschke is likely to replace him in the XI alongside Nico Elvedi in central defense for the match.

APRIL 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Busy in loss Itakura had one cross (zero accurate) and four tackles in Sunday's 1-0 loss to Union Berlin. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 8th minute.

Impact Itakura had plenty to do behind the ball during Sunday's loss. The center-back was busy throughout the match, making a season-high four tackles while also adding three clearances. It didn't end up being enough for the clean sheet but it was a good showing, and another full 90 from the defender. Itakura looks set to see major playing time throughout the closing stages of the Bundesliga.

APRIL 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Piles on clearances Itakura made five clearances and one interception during Friday's two-all draw with Werder Bremen.

Impact Itakura made five clearances as he anchored the central defense yet again. When fit the center-back has been a near-guarantee to start and go the full 90, adding strong volume defensively. The defender has also produced a pair of assists, though he offers little offensive upside from center-back.

MARCH 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Busy in win Itakura registered one tackle (zero won), one clearance and one interception in Saturday's 4-1 victory against Hoffenheim.

Impact Itakura had plenty to do and did well, though he just missed out on the clean sheet Saturday. The center-back doesn't offer much going forward but if the Gladbach defense continues to improve he could see more consistent clean sheet upside. Itakura has made at least two blocks in each of his last three starts.

JANUARY 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Assists late goal Itakura had an assist with his lone chance created while taking an off target shot, blocking two shots, making two tackles and two clearances during Sunday's 3-2 loss to Leverkusen...

Impact Itakura set up Lars Stindl in the 93rd minute assisting Gladbach's second goal. The assist was the second in seven appearances for the defender as he's helped Gladbach to just one clean sheet during his time on the pitch.

JANUARY 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Back with club Itakura is back with Gladbach following a lengthy knee injury and then the World Cup.

Impact Itakura started Monchengladbach's first five games of the season before suffering an MCL injury that ruled him out from September until just before the World Cup. He then started all three of Japan's group stage games in the tournament before missing the Round of 16 loss to Croatia with a yellow card suspension. But the center-back is back with his club now and will want to break back into the XI in central defense alongside Nico Elvedi.

JANUARY 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Misses loss to Croatia Itakura was suspended for Monday's loss to Croatia after penalties.

Impact Itakura had logged one assist but also conceded two yellow cards during the group stage to miss this Round of 16 matchup. With injuries hampering the first half of his season before the World Cup, Itakura will hope to make a greater contribution in 2023.

DECEMBER 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up second yellow card Itakura made two interceptions and picked up a yellow card during Thursday's 2-1 win over Spain. As a result of the booking, he will be suspended for Monday's match against Croatia...

Impact Itakura started all three games in the group stage and made nine tackles but will now miss the most important game yet. Hiroki Ito could start in his place alongside Maya Yoshida in central-defense.

DECEMBER 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Assists Wednesday Itakura assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-1 win against Germany.

Impact Itakura got the start at center-back but stepped up offensively to provide an assist for what proved to be a crucial goal. The center-back has recovered from some long-term injury concerns and should be a stable part of the Japan back line while fit in the World Cup. That said his extremely limited offensive upside isn't something to chase in most matches.

NOVEMBER 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Fit to play Itakura (knee) has been declared as fit for Friday's match against Borussia Dortmund, according to manager Daniel Farke. "He is fit again, but he's not a candidate for the starting...

Impact Itakura comes back at a perfect time following an injury that's kept him out for over two months. He'll now work on getting back to full fitness as Itakura will join Japan's national team for the World Cup in the next week, though he first may play a small role in Friday's game.

NOVEMBER 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Machino replaces injured Nakayama in Japan's World Cup squad

Japan has drafted in forward Shuto Machino to replace injured defender Yuta Nakayama on its World Cup roster for Qatar

NOVEMBER 8, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Training with ball Itakura (knee) was pictured training with the ball individually during Wednesday's training session.

Impact Itakura is still a doubt to play domestically before the Winter break, but it seems like a potential return to the national team could be on the cards. The defender was named to the initial squad for the World Cup, and if he can achieve an acceptable level of fitness is in line to make the final squad as a likely starting defender.

NOVEMBER 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

World Cup goal for Japan is quarterfinals - at least

Japan soccer coach Hajime Moriyasu repeated his aim again for the World Cup

NOVEMBER 1, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS