Japan's Nakamura calms injury fears

BONN, Germany, June 8: Playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura has tried to calm fears he might miss Japan's World Cup opener against Australia on Monday.

Nakamura left training early for the second day running today after tweaking tendons behind his left knee.

''I expect to be alright for Australia,'' Nakamura told reporters. ''The pain should be gone by tomorrow or the next day.

''When I shoot or push off it hurts. I'll probably be able to put more strain on it tomorrow.'' Coach Zico already has enough injury concerns and can ill afford to lose Nakamura for the Group F tie in Kaiserslautern.

Team doctors have been working round the clock to get strikers Naohiro Takahara and Atsushi Yanagisawa fit while wing back Akira Kaji is doubtful.

''We've got this machine back at the hotel I will have a go on later,'' said Nakamura.

''It doesn't heat the surface but it apparently heats the deep tissue and spreads rays or whatever so I should be alright.'' While Nakamura was putting his trust in science, Takahara said he was fit to face the Socceroos after picking up a slight knee injury last week.

''There's still a bit of pain inside but it's gradually improving and is not a problem,'' said Takahara. ''I'll be fine for the first game.

''I hope 'Yanagi' plays alongside me in attack but if not it won't make a drastic difference.'' Japan, who reached the last 16 of the 2002 World Cup as co-hosts, will also meet Croatia and holders Brazil in the group.

REUTERS