Yamase injury is a big blow for Reds
Today(September 22) is the 23rd birthday of Koji Yamase.
But it's doubtful the Urawa Reds playmaker will be in the mood to celebrate, following his season-ending knee injury.
He injured his left knee during the 4-1 defeat of Albirex Niigata on Saturday, and will need five or six months to recover.
This is another cruel blow for the talented youngster, who had his season cut short in 2002 after an injury to his right knee when playing for Consadole Sapporo.
Urawa showed a lot of faith in him at that time, and signed him for the 2003 campaign, during which he made 24 league appearances.
This season, the elegant ball-playing midfielder has helped Reds win their first five second-stage matches to open up a two-point lead at the top of the table.
But suddenly Yamase's season is over, leaving his teammates to fight for a hat-trick of titles with the league championship, Nabisco Cup and Emperor's Cup.
Reds' next match is Thursday, away to FC Tokyo at Ajinomoto Stadium.
On a national holiday, expect a bumper crowd at the Tobitakyu venue for the evening kick-off.
FC Tokyo are fifth in the table with seven points, eight adrift of Urawa, and this match could well be a dress rehearsal for the Nabisco Cup final on November 3.
he two teams are favourites to win their semi-finals, Reds at Nagoya and FC Tokyo against Verdy, so Thursday's game could provide one of the teams with a psychological advantage.
All Yamase can do, though, is think about next season.
He made an excellent recovery from that first serious knee injury, coming close to winning a place in Japan's Olympic squad for Athens, so he has the experience to handle the situation.
Still, it's a big disappointment for him and the team, as he is clearly one of the most naturally talented players in the J.League.
A long time ago I remember Steve Perryman, the former S-Pulse and Reysol manager, singing the praises of both Yamase and Horii when the pair played for Sapporo, and the former Tottenham captain knew a good player when he saw one.
I'm sure all Reds fans wish Yamase as happy a birthday as possible under the unfortunate circumstances.
ends
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