IWATA, Shizuoka Pref. -- Jubilo Iwata and Japan forward Naohiro Takahara will be released from the hospital on Monday but his readiness for the World Cup is in doubt, a Jubilo team doctor said Saturday.
Takahara has been hospitalized since April 9 after suffering acute pneumonia. According to Dr. Makoto Yokochi, medical examinations revealed blood clots in his lungs and the 22-year-old player was diagnosed with arterial thrombosis of the lungs. Takahara will start a light training regimen with the team next week while taking medication to dissolve the clots.
But Yokochi said he is not sure whether Takahara will fully recover in time for the World Cup. Yokochi noted that Takahara's ailment resembles the so-called "economy-class" syndrome, which restricts the flow of blood and is caused by sitting in a small area for a long time -- such as an economy-class seat in an airplane.
Vegalta gets win
Japan striker Yoshiteru Yamashita scored two late goals Sunday as Vegalta Sendai narrowed the gap on leader Yokohama F Marinos with a 3-1 victory at home to FC Tokyo in the J. League first division.
Defender Norio Omura headed in a corner from Silvio on the hour to break the deadlock at Sendai Stadium before Yamashita weighed in with his fourth and fifth of the season in the last 15 minutes.
Brazilian midfielder Kelly struck the only reply for Tokyo.
In Sunday's other fixture, Sanfrecce Hiroshima outplayed Shimizu S-Pulse but a lack of composure up front meant it had to settle for a 0-0 draw at Hiroshima Big Arch.