With the World Cup just over three weeks away, injuries and illness to some of the national team players are big concerns to everyone.
In a press conference after Jubilo Iwata's Nabisco Cup game at Kashiwa Reysol on Monday, Jubilo manager Masakazu Suzuki became angry when asked about the condition of Naohiro Takahara, who has been sidelined with blood clots in his lungs.
The question had no doubt been inspired by reports in the Japanese newspapers that referred to Takahara as having no hope of recovering in time for the World Cup. These reports were based on quotes from Suzuki himself.