Japan called up forward Shuto Machino for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday, with the Shonan Bellmare player taking the place of injured Huddersfield defender Yuta Nakayama.
The 23-year-old Machino scored 13 goals to place second in the J. League first division's top-scorer list this term, bagging four in his last three games to steer Shonan clear of relegation.
"I'm carrying a sense of pride and responsibility in getting the chance to represent and fight for Japan in Qatar," Machino said after receiving the news.
Machino was first called up to the national team by manager Hajime Moriyasu in July at the East Asian Football Federation E-1 Championship, where he scored three goals in as many games.
Machino also appeared in the second half of Japan's 2-0 friendly win over the United States on Sept. 23 in Germany.
Ahead of his departure for Qatar on Monday night, Moriyasu said Nakayama's replacement would not necessarily be a defender.
Nakayama was ruled out for the season with an Achilles tendon injury sustained on Wednesday during Huddersfield's 2-0 home loss to Sunderland in the English second-tier Championship.
Moriyasu also expressed optimism about having star defender Takehiro Tomiyasu back in time after he left a recent Europa League game for Arsenal with a thigh injury.
"I hear it's possible for him to return before the start of the tournament," Moriyasu said.
Vissel Kobe forward Yuya Osako, who was surprisingly omitted from the initial 26-man squad, said after Saturday's final game of the J-League season that he declined to be considered among backup squad members.
The Samurai Blue, who have never gone past the round of 16, will be taking part in their seventh consecutive World Cup. They kick off their Group E campaign against Germany at Doha's Khalifa International Stadium on Nov. 23.