Japan captain Hidetoshi Nakata will miss the national team's upcoming away friendlies against England and Iceland due to a groin strain, Japan coach Zico said Thursday.
The Bologna playmaker, who missed the recent 1-0 away win against the Czech Republic, will be not be available for matches against Iceland on May 30 and England on June 1 and also the Asian champion's World Cup qualifier at home to India scheduled for June 9.
"I want to get him to get treatment and hopefully have him back to full fitness as soon as possible and that is why I have not included him in the squad," Zico said.