Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Friday he will allow midfielder Junichi Inamoto to join the squad of World Cup cohost Japan in time for its Kirin Cup matches on April 29 and May 2.
Wenger said his decision to release seldom-used Inamoto before the end of the Premier League season on May 11 was based on discussions with Japan coach and fellow-Frenchman Philippe Troussier.
Inamoto has yet to make a league debut for the Gunners since his move from J. League side Gamba Osaka last summer in a four-year deal. He has made limited appearances in the European Champions League and the League Cup.