Kashima Antlers forward Léo Ceará was absent from his side's match through an accident, according to Yahoo!ニュース. Manager Oniki said the striker had shown some fitness problems the day before the game.
Yahoo!ニュース reports that the club attributed the absence to the accident, with Oniki describing the player's condition as less than full in the lead-up to the fixture.
The match ended in defeat for Kashima, extending the club's losing run to three games, Yahoo!ニュース reports. Vissel Kobe won the same fixture to make it four straight victories, according to the same outlet.
Speaking after the result, Oniki said the performance was not one that should leave his players looking down, Yahoo!ニュース reports. He also said everything the team does is aimed at reaching the top.
The result leaves Kashima working to end a three-match slide, while Kobe continue their winning form. The club has not given a timeline for Léo Ceará's return, and his availability for the next fixture is the immediate question.
