Lightweight Kagawa vows to toughen up after rude awakening in England

Shinji Kagawa has vowed to bulk up after admitting the back injury that threatens to rule him out of Manchester United’s clash with Wigan may be due to a lack of strength and conditioning.

By CHRIS WHEELER

Kagawa pulled out of Japan’s match against Iraq just before kick-off on Tuesday, having received treatment for a back twinge he felt in training

A 12-hour flight to Manchester will not have helped the problem and United’s medical staff were assessing his fitness.

Kagawa, who only weighs 9st 9lbs, admits he has to grow stronger to be able to compete in English football following his £12million move from Borussia Dortmund.

‘I’ve realised that I need to limber up and strengthen my body,’ he said.

‘There are some tough games coming up. This injury may be due to travel and fatigue but I can get by if I take good care of my body.’

Striker Robin van Persie is also receiving treatment for a thigh injury ahead of the Wigan game and Wednesday’s home Champions League tie against Galatasaray.