Kagawa ruled out of Asian Cup final
Reuters - Wednesday 26 January 2011, 16:22
DOHA - Japan's hopes of a record fourth
Asian Cup title suffered a blow on Wednesday when forward Shinji
Kagawa was ruled out of the final against Australia because of a
broken foot.
The Borussia Dortmund player was substituted in the 87th
minute of Japan's penalty shootout victory over rivals South
Korea in their semi-final on Tuesday.
The Japanese Football Association told Reuters on Wednesday
that Kagawa had fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot
and would miss Saturday's match at the Khalifa Stadium.
The 21-year-old has been pivotal in Japan's run to the
final, scoring twice in the 3-2 quarter-final win over hosts
Qatar.
He has also been outstanding in his first season in Germany,
scoring eight Bundesliga goals.
"Borussia is in touch with the player and he will return to
Dortmund as soon as possible so we can get a precise picture of
the injury," the Bundesliga leaders said in a statement.