Japan coach Takeshi Okada has added Urawa Reds goalkeeper Ryota Tsuzuki to his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier away to Qatar, the Japan Football Association said Sunday.
Tsuzuki, capped three times by Japan, has been drafted in as cover for first-choice keeper Seigo Narazaki, who pulled out of the squad Saturday due to an injury.
Nagoya Grampus keeper Narazaki suffered a damaged ligament and a dislocated tendon in his left ankle during training with Nagoya and is likely to be sidelined for two to three weeks.
Japan have four points from two qualifiers, two adrift of Group A leaders Australia, while Qatar are third in the five-team group on four points from three games. The top two teams from each of two final-round groups will automatically qualify for the 2010 tournament in South Africa.