Kagawa a doubt for Reds clashes

Shinji Kagawa is set to undergo tests on a back injury which ruled him out of Japan's World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

The Manchester United midfielder played down the seriousness of the problem which flared up in training the day before Japan's 1-0 win over Iraq in Saitama. The 23-year-old pulled out of the game an hour before kick-off having felt a twinge in his lower back, and is a major doubt for Saturday's game against Wigan. "I underwent treatment for as long as possible before the match and he [Japan's coach, Alberto Zaccheroni] waited for me," said Kagawa. "I felt a twinge and didn't want to take the risk," added the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who watched the Group B game from the stands. "It's not a serious injury and I don't think it will keep me out for long. I can walk without any problem but if I put strain on it, it still hurts." United medical staff will assess the problem on Thursday, but if Kagawa is not able to train with the rest of the squad on Friday, he will not be considered for the home clash against Roberto Martinez's men. The Japan star also looks doubtful for the following Wednesday's Champions League clash against Galatasaray at Old Trafford.