Hiroshi Kiyotake has fractured his foot while training with Japan. - © © gettyimages / Nel
Hiroshi Kiyotake has fractured his foot while training with Japan. - © © gettyimages / Nel

Kiyotake fractures foot with Japan

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Hannover 96 attacking midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake will miss the remainder of the first half of the season after being diagnosed with a hairline fracture of his right foot while on international duty with Japan.

'Kiyo has been in stunning form'

The 26-year-old picked up the injury while training in preparation for Tuesday's FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifier against Cambodia, which Japan won 2-0. Tests carried out in Japan confirmed that Kiyotake had picked up a hairline fracture, which will not need an operation.

He is to remain in Japan for treatment with doctors of the national team in constant contact with Hannover 96's medical team to discuss the course of action.

"Of course this injury is a real blow, for Kiyo himself and for us as a team," said Hannover coach Michael Frontzeck. "We are going to have to cover for his loss, but Kiyo has been in stunning form and has really become a key player for Hannover 96. I wish him all the best with his recovery."

Kiyotake scored in each of the Reds' last two Bundesliga fixtures, taking his tally to three for the season, with a further four assists. He missed the first three matches due to a fractured metatarsal, but has started every game since.

Bitter news: Hiroshi Kiyotake has picked up a hairline fracture in his foot. Get well soon, Kiyo!

Click here for more on Kiyotake and the finest Japenese players in the Bundesliga so far this season