Keijiro Ogawa will miss the next four weeks of J.League play, his club Vissel Kobe on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old, who was substituted in the 16th minute of Vissel’s recent 0-0 draw against Avispa Fukuoka, suffered ligament damage to his right knee.
Ogawa has recorded one goal in five appearances this season, the crucial opener in March’s 2-1 win against Gamba Osaka.