Japan could be without Shinji Kagawa in next week's World Cup qualifier against Iraq after he suffered a shoulder injury.
The Borussia Dortmund playmaker had to be carried off on a stretcher after falling awkwardly in the early exchanges of Japan's surprise 1-1 friendly draw with Syria on Wednesday.
Head coach Vahid Halilhodzic admitted that the problem was a concern ahead of his side's journey to Iran, where next Tuesday's meeting will be held.
"We struggled at the start, in part due to Kagawa's injury," said the 64-year-old.
"I have concerns over Shinji of course, which isn't helpful as we travel tomorrow [Thursday]. This result has provided us with a timely warning for the game with Iraq."
Yasuyuki Konno cancelled out Mardik Mardikian's shock opener in Chofu, but Japan were largely unconvincing in their warm-up for next week's game.
They sit top of Group B of the Asian qualifying section after seven matches, with the top two from each pool guaranteed a place at the 2018 finals in Russia.
However, Japan Football Association president Kozo Tashima was quoted by AFP as saying: "We will go under the assumption that we will play the game as scheduled."
Gute Besserung, June 7, 2017
