Hikaru Naumoto, the mainstay of Japan's women's soccer team Nadeshiko Japan, underwent surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, and her team announced that she is expected to fully recover in 8 to 10 months. This year, the situation has become difficult for me to participate in the Paris Olympics, which will begin in July.
On the 20th of last month, Naomoto injured her left knee and was substituted midway through the semifinals of the All Japan Women's Championship, the Empress's Cup, which determines Japan's best women's soccer team.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds of the WE League, to which she belongs, announced that Naomoto underwent surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee on the 26th of last month, and is expected to recover for eight to 10 months.
The 29-year-old Naomoto contributed to Japan's advance to the top eight as a midfielder at last year's World Cup, and was expected to play an active role at the Paris Olympics starting in July this year, but he will be out for a long time. I was forced to do so, and it became difficult for me to participate.
According to her team, Naomoto is currently in the hospital, and she will listen to Naomoto's intentions and come up with a plan for her return.
In addition, 41-year-old Kozue Ando, a former Japan representative who also plays for the Reds, also underwent surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, and is expected to recover for eight to 10 months.