AdminZion Suzuki could be set for a significant spell away from Aston Villa after the New Year if he is selected by Japan for the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Japan have already secured their place at the tournament, which runs from January 7 to February 5. Their campaign begins against Indonesia on January 11, before they face Thailand and Qatar on January 16 and January 20 respectively.
Japan are expected to progress from the group stage, with a potential round-of-16 tie scheduled for January 24. Should they continue their run, the quarter-finals would take place on January 28, followed by the semi-finals on February 1 and potentially the final on February 5.
The timing could create a difficult situation for Villa. They face Everton on January 5, before an FA Cup third-round tie and a Premier League meeting with Manchester United on January 16.
Borussia Dortmund then visit Villa Park in the Champions League on January 19, with a trip to Fulham following on January 23.
If Japan reach the knockout stages, Suzuki could also miss Villa’s Champions League clash with Slavia Prague and their trip to Ipswich Town.
Villa face Sunderland on February 6, just one day after the Asian Cup final, meaning Suzuki’s earliest possible return could come against Bournemouth on February 10.
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