PETALING JAYA: Japan remain a dangerous side despite dropping out their most experienced player Kenta Nishimoto in their men’s singles line-up at the last minute ahead of the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24-May 3.

The Japanese had no choice but to omit their second ranked player Nishimoto, who suffered a shoulder injury during last month’s Swiss Open, and bring in world No. 37 Yudai Okimoto as a replacement.

The old hand Nishimoto was expected to face Justin Hoh in the second singles, and on paper, the world No. 16 was expected to win.

Now, with the changes, Justin is expected to face world No. 19 Yushi Tanaka, which is equally challenging.

Their top player remains world No. 9 Kodai Tanaka who will face off Leong Jun Hao while they are expected to bank on Koki Watanabe at the third with either Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin or Lee Zii Jia.

National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen (pic) believes any player fielded by Japan will still pose a stern challenge to his charges.

“I think Japan are also looking beyond the group stage. The reason Nishimoto is not there is because he’s injured,” said Jonassen.

“I don’t recall Justin ever playing Nishimoto but now, the game plan will have to change.”