Gamba Osaka manager Akira Nishino and Urawa Reds counterpart Guido Buchwald have admitted that the absence of their Japan stars has hampered preparations for the 2006 season and both are expected to field weakened teams for Saturday's Xerox Super Cup clash in Tokyo.
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto and Shinji Ono are among a handful of players available but unlikely to play in the league season's curtain-raiser between the J. League champions and Emperor's Cup winners as they leave the same night for Germany for Japan's upcoming friendly with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
"Of course we want to show everyone a good game and we have prepared properly but not having our Japan players around has definitely been a minus," said Buchwald. "If they are in good condition then maybe I will use them, maybe not. We'll see tomorrow."