Kagawa confident back injury is not serious
Reuters - Wednesday 12 September 2012, 11:11
Japan playmaker Shinji Kagawa has
tried to play down a back injury which ruled the Manchester
United midfielder out of Tuesday's 1-0 win over Iraq in a World
Cup qualifier.
The 23-year-old pulled out of the game in Saitama an hour
before kick-off having felt a twinge in his lower back during
training the previous day.
"I underwent treatment for as long as possible before the
match and [Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni] waited for me," said
Kagawa, who joined United for $21 million in the pre-season.
"I felt a twinge and didn't want to take the risk," added
the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who watched the Group B
game from the stands.
"It's not a serious injury and I don't think it will keep me
out for long. I can walk without any problem but if I put strain
on it it still hurts."
Kagawa is set to undergo tests on his return to Old
Trafford, where he has made an impressive start to his United
career, although he is likely to be a doubt for Saturday's home
game against Wigan Athletic in the Premier League.
"I waited until the afternoon to see how his condition was
but there's no way I can put a player on the pitch who is not at
100 percent," said Italian Zaccheroni.
After the weekend encounter United kick off their Champions
League campaign at home to Turkey's Galatasaray on September 19
before a trip to fierce rivals Liverpool in the league on September
23.