Abe Called Up to Japan Squad

Nagoya defender Shohei Abe has been added to the Japan squad for the upcoming Asian Cup qualifier against Yemen. Abe has been one of the outstanding players this year for Grampus, and has his much improved defending has been vital to the team's success.

However, his well deserved addition to the Japan highlights the need for Nagoya to strengthen the squad, especially for the two wing backs. Abe has been ever present this year, with no chance to recuperate from any knocks and sprains. This has mainly been due to the lack of a reliable replacement and the team has bee lucky that Abe has proven tough enough to play so consistently. With ACL commitments and Japan national team games likely to place even greater demands on the squad, competent replacements are vital if the team is to sustain the progress made this year.