Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi is set to make his first national team appearance since last autumn when the Asian champion takes on India in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier in Saitama.
Japan coach Zico has handed the 28-year-old Denmark-based stopper the job as first-choice 'keeper Seigo Narazaki is suffering with a knee injury picked up in the 3-2 win over Iceland in England at the end of last month.
"Kawaguchi will play. Narazaki's injury is not serious and he wanted to play but I told him that I didn't think it was worth the risk," Zico told reporters on Tuesday after his side's final tuneup for the Asian Zone Group 3 match.
Kawaguchi, who last played for Japan in the 1-1 draw away to Romania last October, said he is looking forward to getting the chance to prove his worth to Zico.