Injury hit Japan will head to the World Cup this summer with a strong squad and in good form, but without several key players.
The Samurai Blues have won their last five matches in the lead up to the World Cup beating Scotland, Brazil and England 1-0 at Wembley in that run.
However, forwards Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton and Monaco's Takumi Minamino will both miss the tournament with injury; the Seagulls winger arguably Japan’s most talented player.
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu said his squad had lost "a major presence" in Mitoma, adding: "This will hurt him more than it hurts anyone."
