During the current international break, only one VfL Bochum 1848 player, Takuma Asano, is away with their national team. After the 2-2 draw against 1. FC Cologne, Asano left Bochum to join up with his national side. They’re set to play two games as part of the World Cup qualifying round for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
On Thursday, January 27, the Japanese side will face current fifth-place China at home. Five days later, on February 1, they will face the league leaders Saudi Arabia. Both matches will be played at Saitama Stadium 2002, near the capital Tokyo. Japan are currently second in the table with twelve points, which would guarantee them a place in the final round in Qatar at the end of the qualifying round.
Good luck and come back healthy, Taku!