Japan coach Ivica Osim has been forced to replace Ryuji Bando in his squad for the AFC Asian Cup just hours before their departure for Vietnam after the Gamba Osaka forward suffered a muscle injury.
FC Tokyo midfielder Masahiko Inoha has been called up to replace Bando and will travel with the rest of the squad to Hanoi.
Bando injured his right leg on Tuesday during a training match against a university team in Chiba. He left the pitch in pain during the first of two 60-minute sessions, which were held on the final day of the national team's three-day training camp.
"I had always feared that we might have some injuries, and unfortunately, it actually happened to one player. He is an important player to us and I'm not happy about this," said Osim following Tuesday's session.
The former Yugoslavia coach has already lost two defenders - Marcus Tulio Tanaka of Urawa Reds and Hiroki Mizumoto of JEF United Chiba - to injuries as he prepares his 23-man squad for their defence of the Asian Cup.
"Anyone could get injured as our players have a tight schedule, and everyone gives 100% in a game," Osim lamented.
"We've got to make do in with the conditions presented to us but I hope that we are not going to have any more injuries to our players."
Japan will leave for Hanoi on Wednesday evening, where the reigning champions will take on Qatar on July 9, the United Arab Emirates on July 13 and hosts Vietnam on July 16 in Group B.
Bando injured his right leg on Tuesday during a training match against a university team in Chiba. He left the pitch in pain during the first of two 60-minute sessions, which were held on the final day of the national team's three-day training camp.
"I had always feared that we might have some injuries, and unfortunately, it actually happened to one player. He is an important player to us and I'm not happy about this," said Osim following Tuesday's session.
The former Yugoslavia coach has already lost two defenders - Marcus Tulio Tanaka of Urawa Reds and Hiroki Mizumoto of JEF United Chiba - to injuries as he prepares his 23-man squad for their defence of the Asian Cup.
"Anyone could get injured as our players have a tight schedule, and everyone gives 100% in a game," Osim lamented.
"We've got to make do in with the conditions presented to us but I hope that we are not going to have any more injuries to our players."
Japan will leave for Hanoi on Wednesday evening, where the reigning champions will take on Qatar on July 9, the United Arab Emirates on July 13 and hosts Vietnam on July 16 in Group B.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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