Gamba Osaka defender Akira Kaji and Jubilo Iwata midfielder Takashi Fukunishi, who were both selected via voting for the upcoming All-Star match, have decided to pull out because of injuries, soccer sources said on Thursday.
Kaji and Fukunishi will not play for the J. West team in the July 15 match at Kashima Stadium.
Oita Trinita defender Yuichi Nemoto, who will make his third appearance in an All-Star match, will replace Kaji, while Jubilo midfielder Naoya Kikuchi will take the place of Fukunishi.