Mongolian yokozuna Asashoryu has injured his ankle and is unlikely to return to Japan before the end of this month, his trainer said Wednesday.
"I don't think there is any way there will be a return to Japan this month," the trainer told reporters at Narita airport after returning from Mongolia.
According to the trainer, Asashoryu hurt ligaments in his left ankle during a training session, while a lingering left elbow injury is not healing as hoped. Asashoryu's stablemaster Takasago last week said he expected the grand champion to come back before the end of the month but it now looks likely that he will return after the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament to be held in Fukuoka from Nov. 11-25.
"I will be in touch with him (Asashoryu) and hope to decide on a return date this week," said Takasago.
Asashoryu went back to Mongolia at the end of August to undergo treatment for a stress disorder and other injuries at a facility in Harhorin, about 360 km west of Ulan Bator.
He was diagnosed with the disorder shortly after he was suspended from last month's Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament and the Kyushu meet.