London - AFP
Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa has been ruled out of Japan\'s World Cup qualifier in Oman on November 14 due to a knee injury he suffered a week ago, the Japan Football Association said yesterday. Kagawa was not among the 18 Europe-based players who coach Alberto Zaccheroni planned to call up for his 23-man squad for the Oman game, the association said. The 23-year-old summer signing was injured in Manchester United\'s 3-2 Champions League win over Braga on October 23. He will miss the top-of-the-table Premiership game with Chelsea on Sunday as his club wanted him to be out for four weeks. Japan are leading Asian Group B with 10 points from three wins over Oman, Jordan and Iraq as well as one draw with Australia. The match will be played at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.