Japan's Hiroshi Kiyotake to miss upcoming matches

The Cerezo Osaka forward played through the pain in their ACL loss, but aggravated the knock, ensuring his nation will be deprived of his services for a World Cup qualifier.Cerezo Osaka striker Hiroshi Kiyotake will miss Japan's upcoming international fixtures against Vietnam and Tajikistan after an MRI revealed that previously-diagnosed bruising in his right thigh has worsened and will require two weeks to heal.Kiyotake played 67 minutes in Cerezo's 6-1 Asian Champions League loss to Jeonbuk Motors despite the injury, but has not participated in J-League action since September 10. Without him in the line up, Cerezo lost 2-1 to Vegalta Sendai and fell to 11th place.He initially reported to the national team's training camp in Hyogo Prefecture late last week, but was instructed by staff to stand down and devote himself to recovery."Coach [Alberto] Zaccheroni said that knowing when to rest is as important as wanting to play," Kiyotake told reporters. The 21-year-old striker, who received the injury in an under-22 match against Malaysia in Olympic qualifying, also expressed his regret. "I was chosen for the national team, so it's really disappointing that I can't play. I'll be with my teammates in spirit."To replace Kiyotake, the Japanese Football Association announced the call-up of under-22 team-mate and Kashiwa Reysol defender Hiroki Sakai.Japan host Vietnam in a friendly on Friday, October 7 before welcoming Tajikistan in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, October 11.