Japanese world no. 1 Kento Momota will most likely be out of action for another three months due to an undiagnosed fracture on his right eye socket.
Kento Momota was involved in a car crash on 13 January 2020 in Malaysia where he suffered minor injuries – some stitches and a few lacerations.
Momota was cleared for return to practice after a detailed medical examination in Japan. The eye socket fracture was apparently missed during diagnoses in Malaysia and Japan.
Subsequently Momota returned to practice with the national team on 3 February 2020.
According to nhk.or.jp, Momota complained that there was something wrong with his eyesight during practice. He said that he saw double images of the shuttlecock.
Upon a medical examination yesterday, it was found that there was a bottom fracture in his right eye socket.
It was followed by a successful surgery today (8 Feb 2020). Momota was reportedly admitted safely to the hospital after the surgery.
The doctors however said it will take 3 months for the fracture to completely heal.
In a press release from the Nippon Badminton Association, Japan head coach Park Joo Bong expressed his feelings.
“I was surprised. I am relieved to hear the results of the surgery from my team earlier. I will decide on the future after the surgery. I want Momota to focus on the recovery patiently.”
Momota’s Olympic qualification spot remains secure though. He has collected enough ranking points to qualify for Tokyo without the need to play in any of the remaining tournaments in the qualification period.