The Japan Football Association on Monday announced Yuichi Maruyama will replace Tomoaki Makino in Japan’s squad after the latter withdrew with injury.

Makino had been called up by coach Vahid Halilhodzic for the Samurai Blue’s clashes with Cambodia and Afghanistan in World Cup 2018 qualifying action.

However, the Urawa Reds centre-back picked up a knock and will now be replaced by FC Tokyo’s Maruyama, who has made 12 MEIJI YASUDA J1 League appearances this season.

The call-up is Maruyama’s first for his country, while the 26-year-old’s first cap could come as soon as Thursday, when qualifying Group E bottom dwellers Cambodia visit Saitama Stadium.

Halilhodzic’s men will then travel to Iran to play Afghanistan next Tuesday.