Nagai hurts ankle prior to qualifier

Toyota, Aichi Pref. — Star striker Kensuke Nagai gave Japan Under-22 coach Takashi Sekizuka an injury scare Friday when he pulled out of training two days ahead of a crunch opening London Olympic qualifier against Kuwait.

Nagoya forward Nagai, who struck twice in a recent 3-1 friendly win over Australia's U-22s, had Sekizuka sweating when he tweaked his left ankle, although the injury is not thought to be serious.

"That gave everyone a bit of a fright," said Sekizuka. "We are having him take it easy."

Sekizuka said he was unsure whether it would affect the 2010 Asian Games top scorer's chances of playing in the first leg of the second-round qualifier against Kuwait at Toyota Stadium.

But midfielder Kazuya Yamamura sought to calm fears, saying, "He was walking normally so I think he will be alright."

Japan travels to the Middle East for the away tie next Thursday. The winner over two legs advances to the final round of qualifiers starting in September.

"We need to win and not allow our opponents to get an away goal. That's basically what you need to get in the first leg," said Sekizuka.

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