Manchester United forward Shinji Kagawa pulled out of Japan's World Cup qualifier today, just an hour before kick-off against Iraq.

The playmaker, who signed for United this summer in a deal understood to be worth around £15m, felt a twinge in his lower back according to the Japan Football Association.

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni decided not to risk Kagawa in the Group B qualifier, but was able to include him among his substitutes.

The news comes after Kagawa received a public dressing down by his coach during Japan's last match, a worryingly narrow 1-0 victory over UAE.

The former Borrusia Dortmund player was hauled off at half-time by his coach for showboating, with his final attempted step-over before the half-time whistle seeing him fall flat on his back.