Josué Vergara has been medically cleared to train with the Panama national team in Japan. The 19-year-old striker passed tests conducted by the Panamanian Football Federation's medical staff in Tokyo, recovering from a muscle injury sustained in late September.

The forward, who plays for Belgian side KAA Gent, was injured after playing 90 minutes and scoring in his club's 2-1 win over Standard Liège. His return to full training is a boost for Thomas Christiansen's squad, which is looking to end a run of five matches without a win.

Preparation in Tokyo

The team completed a training session on Sunday morning at Ajinomoto Field Nishigaoka. Vergara was able to participate normally, while Jiovany Ramos worked separately with physiotherapists due to physical issues from the semi-final against New Zealand. The squad is preparing for the Copa Kirin third-place match against Ecuador, which will be played on Monday, October 5 at 1:30 a.m. Panama time at the National Stadium in Tokyo.

Head coach Thomas Christiansen confirmed the team's focus. "The Panama national team is preparing for the Copa Kirin third-place match against Ecuador on October 5," he said.

Vergara's season

The striker's form in Europe supports his call-up. He joined KAA Gent in July 2026 from Latvian side FK Auda, where he had scored 14 goals in 20 league matches. His contract with the Belgian club runs for five seasons. This campaign, he has played 13 official matches for Gent, starting 12, totaling 1,019 minutes and scoring four goals. In the Belgian First Division A, he has seven appearances, 532 minutes and three goals, while in the UEFA Conference League he has played six matches, with 487 minutes and one goal.

Tour context

Panama enter this match after losing to New Zealand on penalties in the semi-finals, following a 1-1 draw in regular time. Ecuador also lost to Japan from the spot after a 0-0 draw. The tournament serves as preparation for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League. The team's recent form, with no wins in their last five matches, adds significance to this fixture.

The last official result was a 1-1 draw with New Zealand on October 1, with goals from Dylan Herbert and Amir Murillo from the penalty spot. The next fixture, against Ecuador, is the final opportunity of the Asian tour to secure a victory. The match is scheduled for 13:30 local time on Monday in the Japanese capital. The team's full schedule is available at fixtures.

More detail at tvn-2.com