TOKYO —

Midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura will need up to two weeks to fully recover from a knee injury, but is optimistic on his chances of playing in Japan’s upcoming World Cup qualifier away to Qatar, it was learned Saturday. The Celtic star on Friday underwent an MRI scan on the left knee injury sustained in training the previous day and missed Saturday’s 2-0 win over Motherwell in the Scottish Premier League. He was told the injury would require between 10 and 14 days to heal.
   
However, it appears Nakamura is able to play with the knee strapped up and sources close the playmaker said he was hopeful of playing in Doha for Japan’s crunch Group A match on Nov 19. The news will come as a relief to Japan coach Takeshi Okada, who has an injury crisis on his hands after key defender Yuji Nakazawa joined Nakamura and first-choice goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki on the casualty list. Japan has four points from two matches, two adrift of Group 1 leader Australia, while Qatar is third in the five-team group on four points from three games. 

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6 Comments

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  OnTheRecord at 08:21 PM JST - 9th November

  More ecuses for constant poor performances. Tee Hee!

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  Sarge at 08:25 PM JST - 9th November

  If Nakamura can't make it to Qatar, I'll play. I'd like to see Qatar.

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  TeruSensei at 08:42 AM JST - 10th November

  Japan will account for Qatar, it will be a well earned three points.

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  Nessie at 03:43 PM JST - 10th November

  Anyone know when this qualifier is?

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  TeruSensei at 08:11 PM JST - 10th November

  Japan’s crunch Group A match on Nov 19.

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  Nessie at 10:51 PM JST - 10th November

  Thanks, Teru. Any idea of the time?

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