The head of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council on Monday expressed his hope that injury-prone yokozuna Musashimaru would make a "brilliant" return to the ring in the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament to be held in November.
Speaking at a press conference, Yoshio Ishibashi said the Japan Sumo Association has informed the council of the 32-year-old Samoan-born grand champion's assurance of his participation in a customary sumo practice tour next month and in the November tournament.
Musashimaru, who is still suffering from pain in his left wrist, withdrew midway through the Kyushu tournament last year, missed three full tourneys -- New Year, spring and summer -- and withdrew from July's Nagoya tourney after a dismal 2-4 win-loss tally.
He decided to sit out the just-ended Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament at the eleventh hour.