More rearguard troubles as Japan get ready for opener

DOHA: Japan’s depleted rearguard has taken a further knock as new Cologne signing Tomoaki Makino and uncapped Gotoku Sakai became doubtful for the Blue Samurai’s Asian Cup opener against Jordan tomorrow.

Makino, a former Sanfrecce Hiro­shima defender who sealed a 30-month deal with the Bundesliga side on Monday, sprained both ankles in training and was seen limping off the pitch on Thursday.

“I guess it’s alright,” the 23-year-old told reporters. “We have many days ahead. You know this is the beginning of a ‘Makino Story’.”

Makino, who can play anywhere at the back, is an option for Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni to make up for the injury-hit absence of tested World Cup centrebacks Marcus Tulio Tanaka and Yuji Nakazawa.

Sakai, a 19-year-old Albirex Nii­gata fullback, skipped Thursday’s training with lower back pain.

Daiki Iwamasa, a Kashima Antlers centreback who warmed the World Cup bench in South Africa where Japan reached the last 16, was recovering from a two-week-old injury in the sole of his right foot.

“I am still working on a separate menu. I want to join the guys but it may be difficult for the opening game,” the 28-year-old said.

Iwamasa strained the foot in Kashima’s quarter-final win over J-League champions Nagoya Grampus in the Emperor’s Cup on Dec 25. His club went on to win the coveted Cup on New Year’s Day by beating Shimizu S-Pulse.

Japan, aiming for a record fourth Asian Cup title, are grouped with Saudi Arabia, who beat them in the 2007 semi-finals, Jordan and Syria.