Japan suffer injury scare
Midfielder enforcer Keita Suzuki to race against the clock to play Australia.
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| Japan’s head coach Ivan Osim prepares for the big dance against Australia [AFP] |
Japan have suffered an Asian Cup scare with midfielder Keita Suzuki limping out of a training session ahead of their quarter-final clash with Australia.
Suzuki, Japan’s version of Italy hard man Gennaro Gattuso, walked gingerly to the sideline with a swollen right calf but is expected to be fit for Saturday’s showdown in Hanoi.
“His calf has some swelling and he just needed to ice it down,” said Japan spokesman Futoshi Nagamatsu.
“He should be alright by tomorrow we hope.”
Suzuki is the only player to appear in all 13 games Japan have contested with Bosnian Ivica Osim in charge.
Osim will be desperate for the Urawa Reds enforcer to be fully fit to face a physical Australia side in a match many had expected would be the tournament final.