Honda, Nakamura ruled out of World Cup qualifiers

By foxsports
Published

Japan has lost striker Keisuke Honda and midfielder Kengo Nakamura to injuries for upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers against North Korea and Uzbekistan.

The Japan Football Association says on Wednesday that Honda injured his right knee in CSKA Moscow's league match against Spartak on Sunday.

Nakamura, who plays for Kawasaki Frontale in the J.League, has been ruled out after breaking a toe.

The injuries will jeopardize Alberto Zaccheroni's attempt to extend his unbeaten streak of 13 games as Japan coach.

Japan is scheduled to take on North Korea in Saitama on Friday, and Uzbekistan in Tashkent on Tuesday.

The JFA has not announced replacements.