Koki Machida - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

Still working on fitness Machida is still lacking fitness to begin the season, according to manager Christian Ilzer. "Koki Machida still lacks match fitness."

Impact Machida suffered a torn ACL in the season opener last season and did not recover in time to make the season opener this campaign, with the defender still not fit for a full role. That said, he could be in time for some minutes from the bench, although nothing is confirmed at the moment. He started in the season opener last season before the injury, so he hopes to earn that role back.

SEPTEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Back fit to play Machida (groin) is on the bench for Saturday's friendly against Tottenham, according to the club.

Impact Machida had been dealing with osteitis pubis that developed during his ACL rehabilitation, a complication coach Christian Ilzer had described as unpredictable in its development. His inclusion on the matchday squad now marks an encouraging step forward, though his overall recovery timeline remains something to monitor as he continues working back toward full fitness.

AUGUST 15 • ROTOWIRE

Managing pubic bone issue Machida has developed osteitis pubis during his ACL rehabilitation, according to coach Christian Ilzer, per Kicker. "He has developed pubic bone inflammation during his rehabilitat...

Impact Machida had been targeting a return from his ACL injury, but this new complication adds further uncertainty to his recovery timeline. No specific date for his return has been set given the unpredictable nature of the condition. Further clarity on his status is expected to come from the club as his rehabilitation progresses.

JULY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Deemed fit Machida (knee) is an option for play for the end of the season, according to manager Christian Ilzer. "Koki has taken part in almost all training sessions and has made further prog...

Impact Machida was nearing a return last week, but is now officially fit, as he has been cleared of his knee injury after training all week. After a long injury-absence dating back to the second match of the season, this is good news for the defender, as he will look to find a few minutes before the close of the season. However, they may still be cautious despite his starting role to begin the campaign.

MAY 8 • ROTOWIRE

Training but still out Machida (knee) is back in training but won't be an option for Saturday's game against Stuttgart, according to manager Christian Ilzer. "[Koki] Machida is not an option yet, but he...

Impact Machida continues to clear hurdles on his proposed return to action before the end of the 2025/26 season, but since he won't play this weekend, he'll only have two more chances to feature before the end of the Bundesliga campaign. If healthy, Machida should represent Japan in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Machida's next chance to play will come against Werder Bremen on Saturday, May 9.

MAY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Completes partial training Machida (knee) took part in some training work with the team for the first time since starting his recovery in August, the team reported Tuesday.

Impact Machida is making progress toward his return from an ACL tear that sidelined practically for the entire 2025/26 season. However, he may be ready to play at some point before the World Cup, likely getting minutes as a substitute before being able to challenge Ozan Kabak and Albian Hajdari at center-back.

APRIL 21 • ROTOWIRE

Trains with ball Machida (knee) was spotted on grass and training with the ball Tuesday, the club posted.

Impact Machida suffered a torn ACL in the season opener against Leverkusen but his recovery is trending in the right direction after he was spotted back on the grass Tuesday working with the ball. That is an encouraging sign for the Japanese defender since it puts him on track to return before the end of the campaign and potentially help Hoffenheim during the final push as they sit in a strong position in the race for Champions League spots next season.

MARCH 4 • ROTOWIRE

Trains with ball Machida (knee) was spotted on grass and training with the ball Tuesday, the club posted.

Impact Machida suffered a torn ACL in the season opener against Leverkusen but his recovery is trending in the right direction after he was spotted back on the grass Tuesday working with the ball. That is an encouraging sign for the Japanese defender since it puts him on track to return before the end of the campaign and potentially help Hoffenheim during the final push as they sit in a strong position in the race for Champions League spots next season.

MARCH 4 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers torn ACL Machida is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL, according to his club.

Impact Machida went down in the first half of Saturday's contest and has received the worst news possible, with the defender suffering a torn ACL. This will keep him out for the season, looking at around a nine to 12-month recovery period. That said, the club has lost a starter and will likely have Arthur Chaves or Kevin Akpoguma fill his spot moving forward.

AUGUST 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Off in first half Machida was forced off in the first half of Saturday's match against Leverkusen due to an injury.

Impact Machida left the match in first half stoppage time after being fouled. Arthur Chaves replaced Machida and would be the likely candidate to start next week against Frankfurt if Machida is unavailable.

AUGUST 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Hoffenheim signs Japan defender Koki Machida from Belgium's Union Saint-Gilloise

German team Hoffenheim has signed Japan defender Koki Machida from Belgian champion Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

JUNE 27, 2025 • Associated Press

Joining Hoffenheim Machida has completed a permanent transfer to Hoffenheim, his new club announced Friday.

Impact Machida left Kashima Antlers to join Union SG in January 2022 and went on to make 114 appearances for the club across all competitions, tallying four goals and two assists. Machida should add depth to the defensive line for the 2025/26 and should have a decent shot at fighting for steady minutes.

JUNE 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE