Why Ao Tanaka was taken off early for Japan with Leeds United return imminent

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke would have been watching closely as Ao Tanaka started for Japan on Thursday.

After being used as a substitute in Japan's previous two matches this window - wins over Venezuela and Uruguay - Tanaka was in from the start against Ecuador.

The 28-year-old started Leeds' two Premier League games immediately prior to the international break.

Farke would therefore have had his fingers crossed Tanaka came through the last of these matches injury free - as will be the case with each of Leeds' travelling contingent.

Tanaka was on the field for just shy of 80 minutes in Yokohama on what was his 43rd cap.

If Farke was indeed watching on from 6,000 miles away back in West Yorkshire, he would have been happy.

How did Ao Tanaka get on in Japan draw vs Ecuador?

Japan were unable to find a way past Ecuador in what was a low-key 0-0 draw.

Tanaka was praised for his workrate, but he could not make a difference against the South Americans.

After playing around an hour as a substitute this window, Tanaka was afforded 79 minutes this time around.

He was replaced by Daizen Maeda in what was a planned substitute, with Japan making a double change.

That suggests there is zero fitness concerns surrounding Tanaka and he will return to Leeds - presumably - with plenty of time to spare ahead of the clash with Arsenal a week on Saturday.

Which other Leeds players are in international action on Thursday?

Wales saw a number of their Leeds contingent pull out injured, but Ethan Ampadu and Daniel James are part of the Cymru squad.

They take on Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday evening, so fingers crossed they come through that Nations League qualifier unscathed.

Unlike with Japan, Wales are playing a competitive game and will therefore not be looking to protect players for their club sides.

That is also the case for Germany, with Anton Stach part of Jurgen Klopp's squad for the game with Serbia at the same time.

Those are the only three senior players still to play on Thursday, as Leeds youngster Jayden Lienou has been left out of the Wales squad once again.