Japan and Glasgow Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura has brushed aside concerns that he might not be fit for Japan's World Cup opener against Australia on Monday. Nakamura left training early for the second consecutive time on Thursday after straining tendons in his left knee.

"I expect to be alright for Australia. The pain should be gone by tomorrow or the next day,” Nakamura told reporters. "When I shoot or push off it hurts. I'll probably be able to put more strain on it tomorrow."

Japan’s playmaker was confident that a little appliance of science would help him be ready. "We've got this machine back at the hotel I will have a go on later. It doesn't heat the surface but it apparently heats the deep tissue and spreads rays or whatever so I should be alright," said Nakamura.

Japan’s coach, Brazilian legend Zico already has several injury worries and will not want to lose Nakamura for the Group F tie in Kaiserslautern. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Naohiro Takahara and Kashima Antlers’ Atsushi Yanagisawa, Japan’s first-choice strikers, have been receiving intensive treatment from team doctors in a desperate attempt to get them fit, and Gamba Osaka’s Akira Kaji also remains doubtful.

Takahara however is confident he will be able to face the Socceroos after picking up a minor knee injury several days ago. "There's still a bit of pain inside but it's gradually improving and is not a problem," said Takahara. "I'll be fine for the first game. I hope 'Yanagi' plays alongside me in attack but if not it won't make a drastic difference."

Japan will also meet Croatia and World Cup holders Brazil in Group F.

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