The countdown to his return has finally begun
Focus on the transformation of the physically reconditioned attacker
MF 48 Yuta ARAI
Introducing all the blue and red warriors taking on the 2026 Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What thoughts do the players hold, and with what resolve are they preparing to face the year ahead, especially with the special half-season tournament approaching?
Yuta ARAI, who has struggled with injuries since his joining was confirmed at age 17, has steadily recovered from a serious injury with an estimated nine-month recovery period. During this season's Okinawa Itoman camp, he was seen diligently engaging in individual training that emphasized 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.
On April 11 last year, he underwent surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and was diagnosed with a recovery period of about nine months. Even during his loan to Kataller Toyama in the 2024 season, he was injured shortly after joining and was unable to play as he wished. This serious injury struck just as he had finally made a comeback and returned to Tokyo.
Just as the nine months to full recovery had passed, the new team began preparations for the special tournament, and the Okinawa Itoman camp started. Although he was unable to join the full team training in Okinawa, his powerful efforts stood out as he charged from the halfway line, breaking through the sides and cutting sharply toward the goal. His own expression was bright as he said, "I'm going extremely well." He showed a lively appearance during intense individual training, leaving a strong impression that he is steadily recovering toward his return.
"Since the surgery, I've come to feel grateful just to be able to move normally. The human body is amazing. When I had the surgery, even just walking was painful..."
The days after the surgery were spent confronting myself. No matter how much pain there was in my injured left knee, if I didn’t bend it, it would stiffen and stop moving. I forced myself to bend it and put strength into it every day. Even though it was a serious injury, my spirit was not broken. I had no anxiety and saw it as a time to reflect on myself.
"Since getting injured, I have realized things about my own body. During rehabilitation, I trained my core 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, the 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. Since his days at Shohei High School, when it was announced at age 17 that he would join Tokyo and he made his top debut as a JFA/J.League special designated player, he had charged toward the goal with a super body clad in thick muscular armor. However, now he is trying to handle the ball with a more supple movement while maintaining his strength and driving force. Arai revealed that "I became slimmer after the surgery," and 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, slimmed down a bit, and got closer to the physique I idealize. It really feels like starting from here."
This change leads to the individual training mentioned at the beginning. Even though he is not fully recovered yet, the way he dashes down the side has the speed of a gale and shows a flexible springiness. "I want to create space with my strong dribbling and make chances. The opponents would definitely hate being challenged." Speaking with confidence and passion, in front of Arai, it seemed as if an unexplored horizon was spreading out.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
