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Zion Suzuki returns to full training with Japan after missing Uruguay match

The Aston Villa goalkeeper sat out his country's 3-1 win but has since taken part in a complete session ahead of two further fixtures.

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Zion Suzuki has returned to full training with Japan after missing the national team's 3-1 win over Uruguay earlier this week. The Aston Villa goalkeeper, who joined the club from Parma in August, sat out that fixture with what was described as a side injury despite featuring prominently during Saturday's Premier League victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

According to Japanese publication Nikkan Sports, as reported by Birmingham Live, the 24-year-old completed a full session on Thursday and is said to have recovered well. Japan have further matches scheduled against Venezuela and Ecuador in the coming days, and Suzuki could feature in one of those fixtures if his fitness holds up.

In separate international news involving Villa's squad, midfielder George Hemmings has withdrawn from the England Under-20s squad. The left-sided player had earned his first call-up to Darren Moore's group for Euro Elite League matches against Italy, France and Germany in Spain.

A statement published on the England Football website confirmed that Hemmings, along with Jimmy Jay Morgan of West Bromwich Albion and Finlay Herrick, pulled out of the travelling party. Arsenal duo Andre Harriman-Annous and Khari Ranson have been called up as replacements.

No explanation has been provided for the withdrawals. However, Hemmings appeared as a substitute for the final 18 minutes of the recent win over Tottenham, suggesting there is no immediate cause for alarm regarding his fitness.

Hemmings has made four Premier League starts this season and delivered an influential display during the League Cup victory at Coventry City earlier this month. His progress through the England age groups has been one of the encouraging developments for Villa's academy graduates in the current campaign.

What we know

  • Birmingham Live is the sole source reporting both stories today.
  • Nikkan Sports is cited by Birmingham Live as confirming Suzuki trained fully.
  • No reason has been given for Hemmings' withdrawal from the England U20s squad.
  • Suzuki played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium less than a week ago.

In this story

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Reported byBirmingham Live

  1. Birmingham LiveZion Suzuki update emerges as England U20s issue George Hemmings statement

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