NEWS

Japan and Nagoya Grampus forward Keiji Tamada on Friday was forced to leave the Japan squad after suffering rib damage during Thursday’s Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong.

Tamada was hit in the chest around 20 minutes into the game. The Nagoya player received treatment and continued playing, but was replaced in the 33rd minute.
No signs of fractured bones were found in X-ray and CT checks. The 29-year-old player returned to his club in Nagoya for observation and treatment.
Japan coach Takeshi Okada said he hoped it wouldn’t be a long-term injury.
Japan will play Scotland on Saturday in Yokohama and Togo on Wednesday in Miyagi in a friendly series as part of their preparations for next year’s World Cup.
No replacement will be called up to the squad.