PETALING JAYA: Japan’s squad continue to be hit by an injury crisis after men’s doubles player Yugo Kobayashi was ruled out at the last minute from the Thomas Cup Finals, which begins today in Horsens, Denmark.

Kobayashi was reported to have suffered an injury during training, with Hiroki Midorikawa called up as his replacement. Midorikawa is no ordinary stand-in, currently ranked world No. 20 with partner Kyohei Yamashita.