Yokohama F. Marinos midfielder and J. League MVP Shunsuke Nakamura was dropped from Japan's 22-member squad for next week's friendly against Spain while four new players -- Shimizu S-Pulse defensive midfielder Kazuyuki Toda, Sanfrecce defender Kenichi Uemura, Marinos defender Yasuhiro Hato and Kashima Antlers forward Takayuki Suzuki -- have been called up, Japan manager Philippe Troussier announced Monday in Tokyo.

Veteran striker Masashi Nakayama of Jubilo Iwata returns to the national team for the first time since December's friendly against South Korea.

As expected AS Roma midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata and Espanyol forward Akinori Nishizawa were also called up to the squad.

Along with Nakamura, six other squad members from the 5-0 loss to France last month were axed from the team, most notably Urawa Reds midfielder Shinji Ono.

Troussier dropped Nakamura for the first time since the Frenchman named him for Japan's Carlsberg Cup tour in February 2000, citing the 22 year-old midfielder's poor condition as the reason for his decision.

"At the moment, Nakamura doesn't have the condition required to play in a Japan shirt," Troussier pointed out. "He does not fit into the team well. But he's a talented player and is intelligent enough to realize why he's been left out." In dropping a hint for future squad lists, Troussier referred to Avispa forward Yoshiteru Yamashita as one of the players whom he has been particularly interested in recently.

Commenting on the game against Spain, Troussier said: "Spain plays attacking soccer. I want to learn more about our team and players from the game and want to see our players fight hard and find out what has been missing from our game."

The squad will leave for Spain on Saturday and train near Malaga for two days before moving to Cordoba, where the friendly against Spain will be held on April 25 (4:45 a.m. on April 26 in Japan time).