Yokohama F. Marinos winger Manabu Saito has been called up by Japan for their upcoming match against Syria, the Japan Football Association announced on Saturday.

The 25-year-old replaces Kawasaki Frontale striker Yu Kobayashi, who was injured in Thursday night’s 5-0 win against Afghanistan.

“It’s an incredible honour to be called up,” Saito said. “I want to take advantage of this opportunity and represent my club in contributing to Japan’s victory.”

The forward has played every minute of F.Marinos’ start to the MEIJI YASUDA J1 League, scoring one goal in four outings.