The countdown to the comeback begins
Focus on the changes in the attacker who remodeled his body
MF 48 Yuta ARAI
Introducing all the Blue-Red warriors participating in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League 2026 season in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What kind of thoughts do the players hold, and with what determination are they preparing to face the special half-season tournament and the year ahead?
Yuta ARAI, who has been troubled by injuries since he was informally signed at 17 years old. He has steadily recovered from a severe injury with an estimated recovery period of about nine months, and during this season's Okinawa Itoman camp, he was seen diligently engaging in individual training focused on practical application. What has he been thinking during this long rehabilitation period, and what kind of evolution has he been striving for? We explore the unknown thoughts of this young attacker.
He underwent surgery for a left anterior cruciate ligament rupture on April 11 last year and was diagnosed with a recovery period of about nine months. Even after transferring on loan to Kataller Toyama for the 2024 season, he was injured shortly after joining and was unable to play as he wished. This serious injury occurred just as he had finally made a comeback and returned to Tokyo.
Around the time when nine months had just passed since the full recovery period, the new team started preparations for the special tournament, and the Okinawa Itoman camp began. Although he was unable to join the full team practice in Okinawa, his powerful efforts were impressive, such as breaking through from the halfway line to the side and rushing toward the goal. His own expression was bright as he said, "I'm doing extremely well." He showed a lively appearance through intense individual training, leaving a strong impression that he is steadily recovering toward his return.
"Since the surgery, I've come to appreciate being able to move normally. The human body is amazing. When I had the surgery, even just walking was painful..."
After the surgery, it was a time of facing myself every day. No matter how much pain the injured left knee caused, if I didn't bend it, it would stiffen and become immobile. I repeated the process of forcibly bending it and applying strength every day. Even though it was a serious injury, my spirit was not broken. I had no anxiety and saw it as an opportunity to reflect on myself.
"After getting injured, I realized some things about my body. During rehabilitation, I trained around my abdomen and changed the way I run, and it turned out to be a good time. Of course, it was tough and hard at first, but looking back, it feels like nine months passed in the blink of an eye."
It was probably time for him to remodel his body, which had been troubled by an increase in injuries. When he was 17 and still at Shohei High School, it was announced that he would join Tokyo, and he made his top debut as a JFA/J.League special designated player, charging toward the goal with a super body clad in thick muscular armor. However, now he is trying to handle the ball with a more flexible movement while maintaining his strength and driving force. Arai said, "I became slimmer after the surgery," revealing that he intends to use this accidental gift for his "transformation."
"Until now, I thought my body was thick and a bit heavy. But after the surgery, I lost weight, got a bit leaner, and got closer to my ideal body shape. I really feel like this is just the beginning."
This change leads to the individual training mentioned at the beginning. Even though he has not fully recovered yet, the way he dashes down the side has the speed of a gale and a sense of flexible springiness. "I want to create space with my strong dribbling and make chances. The opponent must hate it when they are challenged." Speaking with confidence and passion, Arai seemed to have an unexplored horizon spread out before his eyes.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
