Japan ‘praying’ for injured winger Kaji

JAPAN winger Akira Kaji is facing a race to be fit for their World Cup opener against Australia on June 12.

The 26-year-old is still suffering with the bruised foot he sustained during the 2-2 friendly draw against Germany, last week, forcing him out of the warm-up clash with Malta on Sunday.

Injured duo Naohiro Takahara (knee) and Atsushi Yanagisawa (hamstring) also missed the 1-0 win, but, while Japan coach Zico is hopeful they will recover in time for their Group F opener, Kaji is proving to be a worry within in the camp.