Japan's Nakazawa likely to miss Asian Cup

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP)

Veteran Japan defender Yuji Nakazawa is unlikely to play in next month's Asian Cup as he recovers from an injured left knee.

The 32-year-old Nakazawa told Wednesday's Nikkansports newspaper that: ''I don't want to cause the national team any problems so I'm thinking it's best not to take part.''

Japan will open its Asian Cup campaign on Jan. 9 against Jordan in Qatar.

Japan has won the Asian Cup three times. Nakazawa was a member of Japan's team that won in 2000 and 2004.

Nakazawa's absence would be a significant blow to Alberto Zaccheroni's squad as defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka is also sidelined with a knee injury.