Japan coach Zico has launched a scathing attack on Bastian Schweinsteiger for a horror tackle that may leave the Brazilian without one of his most consistent players for the Asian champion's World Cup opener against Australia.
Japan striker Naohiro Takahara (left) competes for the ball with Yasuhito Endo during a practice match at the national team's training camp in Bonn.
Right-winger Akira Kaji was scythed down from behind by talented Bayern Munich youngster Schweinsteiger late in the first half of Japan's 2-2 draw with World Cup host Germany in Leverkusen last week.
Kaji was stretchered off the pitch with a badly bruised foot and is Zico's biggest injury concern. The 26-year-old has yet to resume full training with just five days to go before Japan take on Australia in Kaiserslautern.
"That was an absolutely disgraceful tackle. Kaji got taken down really badly, and there is no question in my mind that he (Schweinsteiger) should have been sent off. My heart goes out to the poor lad," Zico said after Japan's training session Wednesday.
"I am still very worried about the situation. If it was only a light bruise, he would be walking around OK, but he is still in a great deal of pain, so that shows you what a horrible foul it was."