Defender Machida Hiroki (27), who joined Hoffenheim, started off in the away game against Leberkusen and made his new debut, but was substituted in the first half's additional time.

He injured his left knee during a contact play with the opponent. He was treated off the pitch and returned to the game at least once, but soon sat on the pitch and was unable to continue playing.

The center backs for the Japanese national team are Tomiyasu Takehiro, who has left Arsenal, Bayern Munich's Ito Hiroki, and Takai Yuki, who has joined Tottenham, are suffering from injuries.