Shinji Kagawa today pulled out of Japan’s World Cup qualifying game against Iraq, leading to fears he was as cursed as so many other of our players when it comes to injuries.
Fortunately, it seems as though the decision not to play is just precautionary and the injury is not serious.
“I felt a twinge in the back during practice when I was on the ball,” he told Kyodo news agency. “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.”