Japanese maestro Keisuke Honda puzzled with role on Milan's bench

AC Milan playmaker Keisuke Honda isn't used to a role on the bench.

Honda was a regular contributor for Milan in the past few years, starting at attacking midfield for head coaches Clarence Seedorf and Filippo Inzaghi. But, under Sinisa Mihajlovic, Honda has only started four times and was taken off in each instance, leaving the Japanese international frustrated.

"The situation is not easy," Honda told La Gazzetta Dello Sport. "To be on the bench for so many matches is something that has never happened (to me before). I'm beginning to understand how it feels to be on the outside."

Honda, currently away on international duty, is still a key figure in the Japanese national team, something he was thankful for, saying, "my position with the national team group, fortunately, is different."

He'll be hoping to impress Mihajlovic as Japan takes on Cambodia in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, having already scored in a 3-0 win over Singapore on Nov. 12.

If he does, Honda could be included in a crucial Serie A fixture Saturday, as Milan takes on Italian giants Juventus at Juventus Stadium.