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.

“Takahara and Yanagisawa didn’t play because they are not 100%, but with Kaji it is a different story,” Zico said.

“He got hit badly and is still in a lot of pain and we are just praying he can recuperate within the next six days.”