Shinji Kagawa has played down initial fears by club and fans on a back injury.
This injury that had apparently happened during training on Monday forced him to sit out Japan’s game against Iraq in a World Cup qualifier.
Kagawa told Kyodo news agency:
“I felt a twinge in the back during practice when I was on the ball. I had some treatment but didn’t want to risk causing the team trouble by playing”
“Obviously it’s a shame I wasn’t able to play… It’s not that serious and I don’t think it will keep me out for long.”