Japan lose Nagatomo for qualifiers

Yuto Nagatomo has withdrawn from the Japan squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Tajikistan and North Korea.

The 25-year-old Inter Milan full-back missed his club’s midweek UEFA Champions League clash with Lille due to a calf injury and has been ruled out of the Samurai Blue camp.

The Japan Football Association (JFA) confirmed that Nagatomo will be replaced by 23-year-old Vitesse defender Michihiro Yasuda, who has eight national team caps to his name.

A JFA spokesperson told Yomiuri.co.jp: “Yuto is a little worried because he has never suffered injuries to his calf, so it is good to rest.”

Last week, a JFA spokesperson had told reporters that they understood Nagatomo’s calf problem ‘wasn’t serious’.

“We’ve heard the injury isn’t serious. But we’re in contact with Inter and once we have a full understanding of the situation we’ll make a decision,” the spokesperson said.

However, an Inter official said later in the week: “Nobody said anything about it being a light injury. We’re not sure if he can play in the Genoa game (which was subsequently postponed due to heavy rain) on the sixth.”