Injured Kagawa to miss Japan's World Cup qualifier vs Iraq

By AP
Published

TOKYO (AP) Borussia Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa will miss Japan's World Cup qualifier against Iraq because of a dislocated left shoulder, the Japan Football Association announced Thursday.

Kagawa injured his left shoulder 10 minutes into Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Syria at Tokyo Stadium. He was carried off the field and replaced by Shu Kurata.

''Right now I want the injury to heal as quickly as possible,'' Kagawa said in a statement released by the JFA. ''I hope the players will fight for victory.''

Japan travels to Tehran to take on Iraq in a Group B qualifier on Tuesday. All of Iraq's home qualifiers are being played in neutral countries.

With three games left in Asian final qualifying, Japan is on top of their group on goal difference over Saudi Arabia.