REO HATATE was a no-show again as Japan beat Saudia Arabia 2-0 in their World Cup qualifier in Jeddah.
The Celtic midfielder remained an unused substitute while club team-mate Daizen Maeda came off the bench in the 63rd minute.
The Blue Samuria maintained their perfect start to the competition with three successive wins and 14 goals scored and none conceded in their Group C matches.
After overcoming China and Bahrain, the Japanese made certain of three more points with strikes from Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada in the 14th minute and the clincher near the end from Koki Ogawa.

WORLD CUP CHEERS…Daizen Maeda beams as Koki Ogawa celebrates netting Japan’s second goal against Saudi Arabia.
The triumph leaves Maeda and Co five points clear in a group where the top two teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Hatate at least got on the bench on this occasion after being snubbed totally by manager Hajime Moriyasu for the previous two World Cup encounters.
The Hoops playmaker insists he has no complaints despite heading halfway across the world to play for Japan and not even get a kick of the ball.
He is quoted telling the local media: “The team comes first. Whatever the manager decides is good for the team, I accept. Just by being selected for the squad means I am always being evaluated by the manager and staff and I respect that.
“If called upon, I will always do my best.”
Hatate will be hoping for a chance to show what he can offer his country when they line up against Australia in another crucial World Cup qualifier at the Saitama Stadium on Tuesday.