Leeds United fitness boost as favourite comes through international clash unscathed ahead of Arsenal

Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka played 79 minutes as Japan drew their final friendly 0-0 with Ecuador on Thursday.

Unlike many of his European Leeds teammates, Tanaka had no competitive football to play during the break with a trio of home friendlies set up instead. Japan beat Uruguay and Venezuela last week with the Whites midfielder coming off the bench on both occasions.

Tanaka was named in the Japan starting-XI for Thursday’s game at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama. The 28-year-old started in a midfield pair alongside Mainz’s Kaishu Sano.

A quiet friendly saw chances few and far between at either end, although Tanaka kept play ticking along nicely when in possession. The Leeds man clipped a few nice passes out wide and mopped up any potential Ecuador counter-attacks.

But neither side were able to break the deadlock and both managers started to make changes in the second-half. Tanaka was eventually removed in the 79th minute, with Ipswich Town forward Daizen Maeda his replacement.

The draw ensured Japan came through their three-game international break unbeaten, with two late wins and a draw. Tanaka made three appearances, one from the start, and played a total of 138 minutes.

With the scores level at 0-0, the friendly went to penalties with Japan winning 5-4. As a result, they will now play a fourth game against New Zealand on Monday in the Kirin Cup final.

Importantly, Tanaka’s removal on Thursday was not due to any injury which means the midfielder should be fit and firing for that Monday meeting with New Zealand. He’d been excellent for Leeds in the weeks leading up to the international break, starting the last three Premier League matches.

Next up for Tanaka after that cup final once back in England is a trip to Arsenal with Leeds next Saturday.