To see Japan's training session...

Nakamura is of a number of absentees for the final group game between the top two sides in AFC's Group A. Both side have both confirmed their places at South Africa 2010.

The Japanese have also rested midfielder Keisuke Honda while Bundesliga-based Makoto Hasebe will miss the MCG match because of a red card he picked-up in last weekend's 1-0 away defeat of Uzbekistan.

Yoshito Okubu and the dangerous Yasuhito Endo from Gamba Osaka, are also being rested. Nakamura's Celtic teammate McDonald says the Japanese may be over-using their star playmaker and says a rest is wise.

"I can sympathise with that," McDonald told au.fourfourtwo.com when informed of the decision to leave Nakamura behind in Japan.

"Certainly I can understand why and we hope he probably doesn't [play] because the fact he's so dangerous.

"But he's had an extremely long season. I spoke to him before he left Celtic and Japan played two friendlies before they even played in the two qualifiers this month already so it's a very, very heavy schedule.

"From my point of view, I think they're a bit hard on him sometimes. He is getting that little bit older but obviously he's so important to the team that they want him there every single game.

"There's no question about it, he loves playing for his country. But I think before he gets back into the J-League it would be wise for him to have a little rest."

McDonald has been teammates with the Japan star for the two seasons. The 30-year-old Nakamura is set to leave Celtic and return to the J-League although no contracts are yet to be signed.

 "It's sad to see him leave actually. I've had two splendid years working with the guy," added McDonald.

"Gordon Strachan's expressed that he's the best player he's trained and been a part of in his managerial career and I'd have to say he is the best player I've played with in my career.

"The things that he does - he's not the strongest or the quickest guy in the world but technically he's a master class. The way he keeps the ball... he may be a small player but he's hard to get the ball off.

"You just don't want to give him anything around the box.  It's almost like a penalty for him."

The Melbourne game at the MCG has reportedly sold around 70,000 tickets. McDonald says he hopes both sides, with the pressure off in qualifying, can give the large crowd something to remember.

"Obviously the Australian supporters are excited to see Japan. Hopefully we both can entertain the fans and put on a good show and hopefully there are a few goals," added McDonald.

Socceroo assistant coach Henk Duut insisted the Aussies are fixed on finishing the group strongly.

"The players will get some rest now because it was very hard this last two games with the time difference," the Dutchman said at the Australian Football Awards.

"Definitely, for sure, we'd like to win. We like to win every game and keep a clean sheet which is important for Schwarzy.

"We are very concentrated. Don't worry about that. We are going full force."

To see Japan's training session...