World Cup 2010

Kengo Nakamura Out Of Japan's South Africa Trip; Takayuki Morimoto Doubtful

The East Asians could be without some of their best talents for their African adventure...

Nov 12, 2009 12:24:30 AM

Takayuki Morimoto - Catania (Getty Images)

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Takayuki Morimoto - Catania (Getty Images)

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Japan will be without Kengo Nakamura for their upcoming matches against South Africa and Hong Kong.

The Blue Samurai are in Port Elizabeth on Saturday for a friendly with the World Cup hosts before heading back to Asia and a 2011 Asian Cup qualifier in Hong Kong four days later.

The Kawasaki Frontale midfielder has a thigh injury which he picked up playing in his team’s 3-2 win over JEF United in the J-League last weekend.

"The thigh has been sore for a little while and the same area now hurts even more. There is no way I can go on national duty," said Nakamura according to Kyodo News Agency.

He will be out of action for at least two weeks and is replaced by Kashima Antlers forward Shinzo Koroki.

There is more bad news for coach Takeshi Okada with Catania striker Takayuki Morimoto also in doubt.

"I have been told he has an Achilles tendon problem and there is a strong possibility that he will miss out," said Okada.