Arsenal forward Ryo Miyaichi named in Japan's squad

Arsenal forward Ryo Miyaichi was among 12 European-based players named to Japan's 25-man squad for three final-round World Cup qualifiers against Oman, Jordan and Australia next month.

The 19-year-old Miyaichi made his national team debut in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Azerbaijan and impressed Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni enough to make the cut for the three World Cup qualifiers.

"Miyaichi's strengths are on the flanks and creating space going forward," Zaccheroni said.

Miyaichi just returned to Arsenal following the completion of his loan to Bolton Wanderers. He was picked along with Kashiwa Reysol defender Hiroki Sakai and FC Tokyo midfielder Hideto Takahashi, who also both made their national team debuts as substitutes on Wednesday.

CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa of Borussia Dortmund were also named. Takayuki Morimoto hurt his lower back against Azerbaijan, but Zaccheroni said the injury was not serious and has kept the Novara striker.

Japan face Oman on June 3 and Jordan on June 8 at Saitama Stadium before travelling to Brisbane for their third game on June 12 against Australia.

Japan Squad:

Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima (Lierse), Shusaku Nishikawa (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Shuichi Gonda (FC Tokyo).

Defenders: Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata), Yasuyuki Konno (Gamba Osaka) Yuzo Kurihara (Yokohama F Marinos), Masahiko Inoha (Vissel Kobe), Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan), Tomoaki Makino (Urawa Reds), Atsuto Uchida (Schalke), Maya Yoshida (VVV Venlo), Hiroki Sakai (Kashiwa Reysol).

Midfielders: Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg), Hajime Hosogai (Augsburg), Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow), Hideto Takahashi (FC Tokyo).

Forwards: Ryoichi Maeda (Jubilo Iwata), Shinji Okazaki (Stuttgart), Mike Havenaar (Vitesse Arnhem), Takayuki Morimoto (Novara), Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund), Hiroshi Kiyotake (Crezo Osaka), Ryo Miyaichi (Arsenal).