Sekizuka sweats on Juninho fitness

AFCCL - Brazilian striker Juninho is the only injury doubt as Kawasaki Frontale prepare to take on Sepahan of Iran on Wednesday, with a place in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League at stake.

The quarter-final tie is finely poised after a 0-0 draw in Esfahan last Wednesday and a win of any kind will be enough for take the 2006 J.League runners-up into the last four for the first time.

Coach Takashi Sekizuka's only concern going into the game is the fitness of Juninho, who was rested along with the majority of the team during Frontale's 4-0 J.League defeat at the hands of Kashiwa Reysol on Sunday.

"Juninho's back pain is getting better," said the former Kashima Antlers assistant boss. "Hopefully he'll be ready for the match."

Frontale came away from Iran with a creditable result and Sekizuka signalled his intent ahead of the second leg by leaving the majority of his first choice squad - including Juninho and midfielder Magnum - out of the squad for the trip to Kashiwa.

With Frontale languishing in ninth position in the current J.League standings, their chances of winning the domestic title this season have receded as they sit 22 points behind leaders Urawa Reds.

As a result, the AFC Champions League presents a more realistic opportunity for the club to claim some silverware before the end of the year as Frontale aim to become the first Japanese club to win the competition since its inauguration in 2002.

To do that, though, Sekizuka will have to negotiate a way past a resilient Sepahan side and the 47-year-old coach has warned his team to be wary, in particular, of the creative talents of Iran international midfielder Moharram Navidkia.

"The away game was tough and it finished 0-0, which was a decent result for us," said Sekizuka.

"Sepahan are a good team, very fast and we have to watch out, especially for the number four in midfield (Navidkia). He is the key man and we need to watch out for him tomorrow."