Japan coach Ivica Osim named only 12 players in his provisional team Tuesday before next week's home friendly against Cameroon.
The Bosnian recalled Urawa defender Tulio, who missed last month's Asian Cup with injury, for the August 22 game and will add another 6 players for the game in Oita.
The Cameroon friendly will be Japan's 1st match since failing to retain the Asian Cup even though no Europe based players will be involved.
Japan's bid for a 3rd successive continental title were dashed with a 3-2 defeat by Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals in Hanoi.
Osim's side were then beaten by South Korea in a penalty shootout in the 3rd place playoff.
Japan coach Ivica Osim was forced to replace Ryuji Bando in his team for the AFC Asian Cup only hours before their departure for Vietnam after the Gamba Osaka forward suffered a muscle injury, the Japan FA said Wednesday.
FC Tokyo midfielder Masahiko Inoha was called up to replace Bando and will travel with the rest of the team to Hanoi.
Bando injured his right leg Tuesday during a training match against a university team in Chiba. He left the pitch in pain during the 1st of 2 60 minute sessions, which were held on the final day of the national team's 3 day training camp.
'I had always feared that we might have some injuries, and unfortunately, it actually happened to one player. He is an important player to us and I am not happy about this,' mentioned Osim following Tuesday's session.
The former Yugoslavia coach has already lost 2 defenders – Marcus Tulio Tanaka of Urawa Reds and Hiroki Mizumoto of JEF United Chiba, to injuries as he prepares his 23 man team member for their defence of the Asian Cup.
'Anyone would get injured as our players have a tight schedule, and everyone have given 100% in a game,' Osim lamented.
'We have got to make do in with the conditions presented to us however I hope that we are not going to have any more injuries to our players.'
Japan will leave for Hanoi Wednesday evening, where the reigning champions will take on Qatar on July 9, the UAE on July 13 and hosts Vietnam on July 16 in Group B.
20 06 2007
Brazilian born Marcus Tulio Tanaka overcame an ankle injury to lead defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds to a 2-0 triumph over Vissel Kobe Wednesday in the J.League.
Tulio, who injured his right ankle Sunday, proved he could be ready for Japan's defence of their AFC Asian Cup title next month by scoring his 1st goal of the season.
It came in the 39th minute when Brazilian midfielder Ponte sent the ball on a corner to set up Tulio's six-metre header.
Brazilian forward Washington's 1st penalty shot in the 27th minute was saved by Kobe goalie Tatsuya Umemoto, however Ponte cashed in on the 2nd opportunity to give Urawa a bit of insurance.
"I have lots of chances to score and I would not before. I am glad I in the end scored a goal today," mentioned Tulio.
"Our trainer had taken care of my injury. I'd like to thank him for being able to play on the pitch," he added.
"We are still behind Gamba Osaka, however it will be fine if we can finish top when the league ends. I'll do my best for that."
Urawa enhanced their record to 8 wins, 6 draws and one defeat for 30 points, reducing the deficit to 5 points against Osaka, who were held to a goalless draw by Yokohama Marinos.
They were followed by Kashima Antlers and Albirex Niigata on 27 points, and Kawasaki Frontale, Shimizu S-Pulse and Jubilo Iwata on 25 points.
Brazilian Edmilson scored 2 goals as Niigata overwhelmed struggling Yokohama FC 3-1, whilst Kashima edged past Kashiwa Reysol 1-0 thanks to Brazilian forward Marquinhos' goal in injury time.
Kawasaki drew with Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1-1, Shimizu defeated Nagoya Grampus 8 2-1, and Iwata finished up with a scoreless draw with Omiya Ardija.
In other games, FC Tokyo defeated Ventforet Kofu 2-1, and JEF United Chiba edged out Oita Trinita 1-0.
